Innovate Like Edison

August 3rd, 2008 at 08:13am Bob Trojan

I recently received a complimentary copy of the book Innovate Like Edison” from the Italian Trade Commission (ITC), Chicago office. In t looks like an interesting addition for any inventor, entrepreneur or anyone who wants to understand the innovation and business methods of Thomas Alva Edison. Much like the recent book written by the late Jon Lundin “Master Inventor, How Howard Coleman Created a Multi-National Corporation, the Edison book talks about his life, inventions and invention & business processes.

Within separate chapters, the book identifies the 5 Major “Competencies of Innovation” or bundles of skills that must be mastered to achieve success in a particular area of endeavor:

1. Solution-centered Mindset (seeing what we expect or want to see)

2. Kaleidoscopic Thinking (ability to juggle vast range of ideas and projects)

3. Full-spectrum Engagement

4. Master-mind Collaboration

5. Super-value Creation.

Each chapter then gives 5 “elements” or building blocks that comprise each competency. The book is well illustrated and easy to read. Unlike other “how-to” books, this one is well researched by Michael Gelb, the author of “How to Think like Leonardo da Vinci” and Sarah Miller Caldicott, the great-grandniece of Thomas Edison. They had access to Edison’s files and in addition interviewed many innovators from a wide range of disciplines. It contains many real life principals as well serving as a historical review of technology developmant.

The one Competency that I like is “Super Value Creation”.  These are the “elements”:

1. Link Market Trends with Core Strength;

2. Tune into your Target Audience;

3. Apply the Right Business Model;

4 Understand Scale-up Effects; and

5. Create an Unforgettable Market-moving Brand.

Clearly, this Competency and their 5 Elements deal with marketing and selling your invention/product and contain many useful tips.

In addition to thoughtful quotations, you can assess your current level of innovation literacy with the “Edison Innovation Blueprint” at the back of the book.

While I don’t derive any benefits from sales of this book, I’d encourage readers to check it out.

This book was a gift and it came with a personal autograph by Sarah. It will proudly stand next to my copy of Jon’s signed “Master Inventor”.

Entry Filed under: Management, Productivity, Technology, Education & Training