a16z Podcast a16z Podcast: Incenting Innovation Inside, Loonshots to Moonshots
Mar 25, 2019
Safi Bahcall, a physicist and former startup founder, discusses the distinction between 'loonshots'—small, innovative ideas—and 'moonshots,' the big goals they lead to. He argues that nurturing these crazy concepts is key to success, often lost in typical management practices. Bahcall critiques conventional wisdom on culture and incentives, advocating for a more scientific approach to management. He explores how dynamic stability can foster creativity while maintaining operational efficiency, offering insights applicable to organizations of any size.
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Empires and Innovation
- Large empires like ancient China excelled at established practices (e.g., infrastructure projects).
- However, they struggled with groundbreaking innovations, similar to how large pharma companies often overlook disruptive drugs.
Loonshots vs. Moonshots
- Moonshots are ambitious goals, while loonshots are the unconventional ideas that achieve them.
- Nurturing loonshots, even if they seem crazy, is essential for reaching moonshots.
Prioritizing Loonshots
- Prioritize loonshots that challenge existing beliefs.
- These are the ideas that pose the biggest threat and opportunity.
