Innovation appears as an intermittent phenomenon. A burst of innovation was associated with the railroads in the post–Civil War era, radios and cars dominated the 1920s, and dot-com innovations characterized the mid- to late 1990s. Change does not appear to come at a constant rate. In contrast, in some cases where small changes are constant, innovation appears to be evolutionary.
a. What factors might account for the two different characteristics of innovation?
b. Innovation conveys a temporary monopoly on the innovator. What factors might influence the durability of that monopoly?
c. What role does/should the federal government play in supporting innovation?
d. What does Kuhn”s model of normal science and a paradigm shift suggest innovation and the acceptance of change?