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The Political Orphanage

How Innovation Works - Featuring: Matt Ridley

May 20, 2020
Matt Ridley, a renowned science writer and author of "How Innovation Works," dives into the history of innovation and its societal impacts. He discusses why certain places thrive in creativity while others lag behind. Ridley critiques the patent system for stifling innovation and advocates for embracing serendipity in discoveries. He contrasts the hands-on methods of the Wright brothers with more rigid approaches. Additionally, he humorously dives into the quirky history of nitrogen's role in agriculture and warfare, revealing hidden complexities in the world of innovation.
01:11:11

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Innovation differs from invention as it requires extensive refinement and accessibility, emphasizing the hard work crucial for practical solutions.
  • The podcast critiques the patent system for stifling collaboration and suggests reform is needed to balance acknowledgment of both inventors and innovators.

Deep dives

Defining Innovation vs. Invention

Innovation is distinctly different from invention, with the former focusing on transforming a prototype into a practical, widely accessible solution. Invention refers to the initial creation of a new idea or device, while innovation emphasizes the hard work required to refine and distribute it effectively. Historical figures like Thomas Edison have noted that invention necessitates just a spark of inspiration, but innovation requires relentless effort and experimentation. This distinction highlights the significance of innovators who may not receive the credit they deserve for their contributions in making inventions usable and attainable for society.

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