Week 4 Reading Reflection

Innovation: The Creative Pursuit of Ideas

1) The biggest surprise with this reading was that terrorism ignites innovation. Before reading this, I never thought much more of terrorism than religion and violence. After reading this, the innovation aspect of post-terrorism makes sense. Companies desire to increase security measures and may make products that provide extra protection. Although terrorism is not at all desired, innovators can take advantage of the situation.

2) One part of the reading that was confusing to me was about the types of innovation. One of the types is extension. In table 5.6 there are examples of the extension type of innovation. I do not understand how McDonald's and Facebook are able to be considered extension.

3) One question I would ask the author is: Why do you not use sources when mentioning that adults use 2 to 10 percent of their creative potential? I ask this because I do not like "facts" when there aren't any sources given. Another question I have is: You mention the either/or thinking; would you apply this concept to things other than creativity, such as religion? I ask this question because I am curious about the author's perspective.

4) I disagree with the author's decision to include an analogy from venture capitalists: process needs in the marketplace is "pain" and innovative solutions to these needs are "painkillers." Painkillers are like a band-aid, they are a temporary fix to the problem. Painkillers should be replaced with something more permanent. You wouldn't put duct tape to cover holes in the road.