Matthew Wisnioski, a Professor at Virginia Tech and author of Every American an Innovator, explores how the concept of innovation in America has evolved from elite circles to include diverse voices. He discusses the significant role of government in promoting innovation and reveals how educational initiatives are shaping future innovators. Wisnioski also touches on the influence of children's play in fostering creativity and the importance of a more inclusive narrative around innovation, linking it to nostalgic educational classics like The Magic School Bus.
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insights INSIGHT
Innovation Idea's Historical Rise
Innovation thinking evolved from fragmented expert communities in the 1930s-1960s to a cohesive culture.
Everett Rogers’ work unified diffusion and innovation concepts, making the innovator persona influential.
insights INSIGHT
Four Core Innovation Questions
Innovation questions focus on creation, idea spread, wealth source, and changing the world.
These domains merged to form an expansive field defining innovation's complexity.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Gov't Innovation Archives Discovery
Matt found early 1960s government records showing a Department of Commerce innovation office.
The office used innovation ideas to revitalize industries with stagnated technologies and conservative cultures.
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Men and Women of the Corporation examines the ways in which gender shapes the experiences of employees in large organizations. It explores the barriers that women face in achieving success in the workplace, such as discrimination, stereotyping, and lack of access to opportunities. The book also analyzes the ways in which organizations can create a more equitable and inclusive environment for women. It argues that organizations must address the systemic biases that perpetuate gender inequality and create a culture that values diversity and inclusion.
The change masters
Rosabeth Moss Kanter
The Change Masters explores how companies can thrive in a rapidly changing world by embracing innovation. It examines the characteristics of innovative companies, such as their ability to empower employees, foster collaboration, and learn from their mistakes. The book also analyzes the role of leadership in driving innovation, arguing that leaders must be able to create a vision, communicate it effectively, and inspire employees to take risks. It argues that innovation is not just about developing new products and services but also about transforming the organization itself.
Every American an Innovator
Every American an Innovator
How Innovation Became a Way of Life
Matt Wisnioski
Every American an Innovator examines the cultural history of innovation in the United States, revealing its profound impact on various aspects of society. The book traces the evolution of innovation from its early origins to its contemporary manifestations. It also analyzes the ways in which innovation has been shaped by various cultural, economic, and technological forces. It offers a critical perspective on the role of innovation in shaping our lives and offers insights into the future of innovation. The book also highlights the transformative effects on our institutions and inner selves, arguing that the pursuit of innovation has become a defining characteristic of American life.
Diffusion of innovations
Everett M. Rogers
In *Diffusion of Innovations*, Everett M. Rogers explores the process by which new ideas, practices, or products are adopted by individuals and societies. The book outlines a five-stage decision-making process—knowledge, persuasion, decision, implementation, and confirmation—and categorizes adopters into innovators, early adopters, early majority, late majority, and laggards. It is a foundational text in understanding the spread of innovations across various fields, including marketing, public health, and communication.
Engineers for Change
Engineers for Change
Matt Wisnioski
Peoples & Things host, Lee Vinsel, talks with Matt Wisnioski, Professor of Science, Technology, and Society at Virginia Tech, about his new book, Every American an Innovator: How Innovation Became a Way of Life. The pair talk about how the new book connects to Matt’s earlier book, Engineers for Change; how what Matt calls “innovation expertise” first emerged; how government played a key role in promoting the idea of innovation; how the idea of innovation was democratized from focusing on elite white men to focusing on women, people of color, children, and, well, everyone; and much more. Vinsel and Wisnioski also talk about Matt’s current book project with Michael Meindl, Associate Professor of Communication at Radford University - a history of the television show and multimedia product, The Magic School Bus.
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