Most innovation is not done by research institutes and national laboratories. It comes from manufacturing - from companies that want to extend their product reach, improve their costs, increase their returns. What's very important is in-house research.
Interpretation
Innovation often arises from practical applications in manufacturing rather than formal research environments.
Vaclav Smil emphasizes that the majority of innovation originates in manufacturing sectors rather than research institutions. Companies aiming to enhance product reach, reduce costs, and improve returns engage in in-house research that leads to significant technological advancements. This highlights the importance of a hands-on approach in creating innovative solutions that address real-world needs.
In practice
During a business conference, this quote can be used to inspire companies to invest in internal research for better innovation.
I've read about 80 books a year for the past 50 years. I come from cultural breeding. I don't have a cellphone. When you spend all your time checking your cellphone messages, or updating your Facebook (of course I don't have a Facebook page) then you don't have any time for reading.
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I'm old fashioned. I'm not one of these young guys who think they are so smart that they can prescribe what humanity ought to do. Humanity never learns any lessons. Prescriptions don't matter. We already know exactly what to do. We just don't do it.
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The issue for patents for new discovers has given a spring to invention beyond my conception.
I just invent, then wait until man comes around to needing what I've invented.
The breakthrough innovations come when the tension is greatest and the resources are most limited. That's when people are actually a lot more open to rethinking the fundamental way they do business.
Removing the faults in a stage-coach may produce a perfect stage-coach, but it is unlikely to produce the first motor car.
I believe we are in a world where innovation in stuff was outlawed. It was basically outlawed in the last 40 years - part of it was environmentalism, part of it was risk aversion.
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