Document Type
Article
Abstract
Innovation is a growing trend and real concern for the economy, environment, human health and national security. Innovation outputs are prolific, while continuous research advances strategies for innovation success. Little if any research, however, connects the products>/i> and the process of innovation, and explores the impact each is having on the other. This paper proposes that the products of innovation today, particularly ICT devices, networks, databases and analytics, are themselves attacking the foundations of innovation process and skills. Research on these core innovation skills, creativity, risk-taking and mental development find them best cultivated in a hands-on, socio-spatial environments. This is the Innovation Paradox: the more we innovate in our current fashion, the more we undermine the very environments and skills necessary for robust innovation. While several prominent authors predict dire consequences, "Dark Ages" where knowledge and culture are all but lost, this paper offers a new perspective. By redefining what we call and how we practice innovation, we can begin to change the narrative and unbind the paradox.
Repository Citation
Francisco, Scott. "The Innovation Paradox: How Innovation Products Threaten the Innovation Process." Reconstruction: Studies in Contemporary Culture vol. 10, no. 2, 2010, pp. 1–52. https://digitalcommons.odu.edu/reconstruction/vol10/iss2/5