Theory and Practice of Innovation
Theme
How do we assess innovation in others? What are the "variables" associated with innovation?
Overview
A variety of theorists have attempted to better understand the sources of imagination, creativity, invention, and innovation in individuals. While these efforts have contributed significantly to broadening our comprehension of this subject, there is nonetheless disagreement in this area. In addition, there are many hypotheses that remain to be fully substantiated. The challenge lies partially in delineating the overlap of each of these areas. That is, determining who is creative can be different from determining who is innovative.
The purpose of this week's material is to develop a conceptual model for imagination, creativity, invention, and Innovation for further clarity. Chad Corwin's dissertation work with the Thiel Foundation on young innovators will be discussed. The Thiel Foundation looks for transformational ideas that can disrupt society by funding and mentoring 20 individuals under 20 years old in Silicon Valley.
Activities
Your colleague from the Media Psych program, Chad Corwin, will present his research on this topic. For his dissertation he is exploring the Thiel Foundation's "20 Under 20" program mentioned above. Chad's works considers how innovation might be defined by virtue of how the panel determines who should receive a Thiel award.
Watch
Watch these two short videos to get an idea of the program:
Then go to the Thiel Fellowship website and look around.
Finally, I recommend you download the CNBC special on the 20 Under 20 program available through Hulu:
Moodle discussion
Your question this week is: How does Chad's presentation, and the material you watched, modify (change/weaken/strengthen) your idea of what it means to be "innovative"?