Understanding Triggers to Innovation through Case Studies

Kolachana Sri Ram Aditya

“The most incomprehensible thing about the universe is that it is comprehensible.”

-Albert Einstein

Fortune favors the brave Europe of the middle ages – Renaissance Growing spirit of inquiry – led to innovation Columbus – pioneer of exploration Trade winds, ocean currents shape history Vespucci grabbed the opportunity presented Fate of Columbus?

Triggers Change in attitude of populace Leading to spirit of inquiry Resulted in technological advancements Utilized to meet Unsatisfied Needs Advances in various fields led to Multi-

Fusion; a trigger for innovations

Scrambled genes for breakfast 1896 – Henry Becquerel discovers radioactivity Shortly afterwards – effect on organisms Genetic Mutation occurs naturally Lewis Stadler of University of Missouri Experiments in Japan, Ghana, Vietnam, USA Paid for 30 years of research

Triggers Advancements in technology Technology used to meet Satisfied Needs Thrill of playing god? Market forces – simpler and cheaper than

gene splicing, cloning etc.

Zapping your way to entertainment Late 1800s – Tesla tries to control ship from

coast 1930s – Television commercialized 1950s – People fed up with advertisements 1950 – Lazy Bone invented 1955 – Flash – Matic used light rays 1957 – Robert Adler patents “Space

Commander”

Triggers Advancement in technology Demand from consumers – market forces

driven innovation Innovation is response to a New Need Once a given need is satisfied, a new need

arises which requires innovation The Cluster Effect

Who guards the guards? Alzheimer's, Global Warming, AIDS etc. Gordon Rugg and Joanne Hyde of Keele Univ Develop a process call Verifier The mystery of the Voynich manuscript – a

15th century codex Difficulty in diagnosing autism – role of

neuro-psychology

Triggers Inability to solve critical problems despite

heavy investments and long periods of research

Realization of a Latent Need to study the solvers and not the problem

Summary: Triggers to Innovation Unsatisfied Needs Satisfied Needs New Needs Latent Needs The Cluster Effect Multi-Fusion Technological Changes and Market Forces

Thank You!