Is the United States Losing the Edge in Innovation? How can this be? Where did we go wrong? What happened? Could it be that we have changed our education system and our society in a way that incentivizes innovators less? That would be a sham, since our entire national identity is based in part on the “can-do attitude.” Let’s discuss this briefly and tell me if you see it too.
Are we losing our ability to think creatively and solve problems in innovative ways? I think so. It also seems that we are losing confidence in ourselves, without the need to solve problems; all problems have already been solved. No need to think, just google the answer. Suddenly, there is no responsibility or integrity: passing copied ideas and plagiarism for innovation.
Look, I’m not a Luddite, and I don’t live in a cave, I know there’s innovation out there, it’s just that I see an ocean of imitation and very few pearls of innovation by comparison. Everyone is busy liking, making friends and forwarding, searching online for viral original concepts highlighted daily instead of generating new ideas themselves. Maybe that instant gratification of a dopamine blast is as good as that “Ah-Ha Moment” when you solve a problem or when the innovation bulb rings that bell inside your brain?
There seems to be a deep desire among members of our society to be creative and innovative, just as companies know that there is a clear advantage in having a robust Research and Development Department and maintaining an innovative edge in their sector. Maybe that’s why everyone and his brother claim to be an Expert Innovation Consultant. It’s quite amusing to see how many of these ‘innovation trainers’ promise to teach us how to innovate, yet dare I ask; how many of them have original thoughts themselves. Is this another case of; ‘those who cannot teach’.
As an innovator, I find it amazing what passes for creative or innovative in this day and age. I suppose we all have free speech in America and one is free to call oneself an innovator if one wishes without any proof or example of creativity of innovative attributes, but that doesn’t mean that is the case. It is not an honor to continue with this facade, we only hurt ourselves and we cannot fix the problem until we address the reality and the problem here. Do you see it too? What should we do? Consider all of this and think about it.