Freakonomics Radio 494. Why Do Most Ideas Fail to Scale?
14 snips
Feb 24, 2022 
John List, an economist at the University of Chicago and author of The Voltage Effect, dives into the complexities of scaling ideas. He discusses how market demand and organizational hurdles can undermine innovation. Through intriguing examples, he highlights the pitfalls of scaling, such as the failed D.A.R.E program versus the success of polio vaccination. List also introduces the concept of 'optimal quitting' and underscores the need for diversity in leadership and rigorous data practices that keep ideas grounded in reality.
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Kmart's Blue Light Special Failure
- Kmart's Blue Light Special, a highly successful in-store promotion, was initially run by individual store managers.
- Centralizing the promotion removed local control and led to its downfall, illustrating a scaling failure.
Scaling Failures and Common Sense
- Scaling failures often stem from a lack of common sense.
- There's no single magic formula; a checklist approach can help avoid these pitfalls.
Policy-Based Evidence
- Shift from evidence-based policy to policy-based evidence.
- Consider real-world constraints during research to ensure scalability.
