Jeff Brumfield, NPR science correspondent, dives into the world of innovation and entrepreneurship. He spotlights a chemist who left a big pharma to launch groundbreaking treatments, illustrating the creative struggles in large organizations. The discussion then shifts to SpaceX’s recent rocket tests, which epitomize both ambition and setbacks. Brumfield analyzes whether SpaceX's bold plans for Mars are sustainably funded and questions the viability of its business strategy amidst the challenges of space exploration.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Bureaucracy at Merck
Chemist Joshua Boger struggled with bureaucracy at Merck.
Getting a computer plugged in took three months due to corporate policies.
insights INSIGHT
Big Companies Hinder Innovation
Big companies, while resourceful, often hinder inventors.
This can hold back the entire economy, according to a new study.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Backpacking a Computer
Joshua Boger had to backpack his Apple computer in and out of Merck daily.
Having unapproved electrical devices plugged in overnight was against company rules.
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Innovation is crucial for game-changing advancements in society, whether it's treatments for serious diseases, developments in AI technology, or rocket science.
Today on the show, we're airing two episodes from our daily economics show The Indicator. First, a new paper suggests that breakthrough innovations are more likely at smaller, younger companies. We talk to an inventor who left a big pharmaceutical company to start afresh, leading to some incredible treatments for serious diseases.
Then, it's off to Mars — or at least, on the way. Elon Musk's company SpaceX did a first test launch of a rocket meant to go all the way to the red planet. The rocket made it up off of the launch pad and lumbered briefly through the sky before self-destructing over the Gulf of Mexico. Suffice it to say, it's not quite ready. NPR science correspondent Geoff Brumfiel walks us through SpaceX's business plan as we try to figure out if this company has the funding and business acumen to reach its moonshot goal.
These two Indicator episodes were originally produced by Corey Bridges & Brittany Cronin, engineered by Katherine Silva & James Willets, and fact-checked by Dylan Sloan & Sierra Juarez. Kate Concannon edits the show.
The Planet Money version of this episode was produced by Willa Rubin, engineered by Robert Rodriguez, and edited by Keith Romer.
Planet Money 