“If innovation is tainted with the idea that a resulting commercial value is necessary – true innovation will not occur.” This sentiment is heard time and again from the “scientists” that are rooted in the thought that a commercialization goal simply distracts and distorts the very process of innovation.
The thought that mankind should benefit from research and development conducted at the expense of successful commercial enterprise should not only be acceptable, it should be at the core of the process. Clearly some of the world’s most successful inventions were a result of development projects that failed and / or changed thinking in a manner that provided outcomes not initially envisioned. But like the invention of Post-it® Notes, a 3M glue development project gone wrong, the initial development itself was focused on creating a product that provided commercial value thus providing the financial resources needed for continued innovation.
Looking at the many waves of national and global economic prosperity throughout time, all have come with commercially viable innovation at their core. War, revolution, depression, recession, inflation, and all other global-changing social, political, technological, environmental, and economic triggers drive new thinking. “Necessity is the mother of invention” (Plato) is at the foundation of innovation and at the core of all of those who invest lifetimes pursuing the next idea, thing, product, service, procedure, or process.
If we are to build a viable, secure, and sustainable future, arguably innovation that provides commercial value will be at its root. And whether that innovation comes from entrepreneurs, academic science, or corporate development, it is absolutely essential that we celebrate its value to the local, regional, national and global economy.
