Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Is Innovation the Most Abused Word In Business?

Posted by samzenpus on from the give-it-a-name dept.

dcblogs writes "Most of what is called innovation today is mere distraction, according to a paper by economist Robert Gordon, written for the National Bureau of Economic Research. Real innovations involve things like the combustion engine or air conditioning, not the smartphone. The paper includes thought experiments to help you gain more respect for genuine innovations such as indoor plumbing. The Financial Times has posted the complete 25-page paper.(pdf)"

4 of 287 comments (clear)

  1. Re:It is abused but I think this sets too high a b by Virtucon · · Score: 4, Funny

    you're also forgetting that MBA's and Financial People use "Innovation" all the time to take funds from people and transform them into vapor.

    --
    Harrison's Postulate - "For every action there is an equal and opposite criticism"
  2. Re:Innovation by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    What's really innovative about sliced bread is how they slice it without cutting the wrapper it comes in. Ingenious!

  3. Re:Yes by GrpA · · Score: 4, Funny

    Rounded corners?

    That's a pretty major innovation if you're talking about aviation...

    GrpA

    --
    Enjoy science fiction? "Turing Evolved" - AI, Mecha, Androids and rail-gun battles. What more could you want?
  4. Re:Abused, yes. Most abused, probably not. by datavirtue · · Score: 4, Funny

    If the group is aimed at the same task then they will each subconsciously reduce their own labor. It's like when I'm driving with my wife in the car, I don't pay attention because I know she will.

    --
    I object to power without constructive purpose. --Spock