New Books in Science, Technology, and Society Matthew Wisnioski on the History of the Idea and Culture of “Innovation” in the United States
Jun 30, 2025
Matt Wisnioski, a Professor of Science, Technology, and Society at Virginia Tech, dives into the history of innovation in the U.S. From the emergence of ‘innovation expertise’ to the democratization of creative thinking beyond elite circles, he unpacks how women, children, and diverse groups have become key players in innovation. Wisnioski also discusses the government's significant yet often overlooked role in fostering innovation through various initiatives. Plus, he shares insights on his new project exploring the cultural impact of 'The Magic School Bus'.
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Innovation's 80-Year Cultural Evolution
- Innovation as a worldview took shape over the past 80 years through key groups shaping society and institutions.
- This history explains why innovation permeates training, investment, and culture today.
Emergence of Innovation Experts
- Innovation thinking first emerged broadly in 1930s-60s across multiple independent expert communities.
- Everett Rogers unified these views and became the iconic innovation expert spreading this interdisciplinary identity.
Innovator as Charismatic Outsider
- The innovator identity blends charismatic belief, deviance, and the mission to convince others.
- This persona carries religious overtones and social outsider qualities central to innovation's culture.
