Business Week article - invention vs. innovation

[KathieK]

"The True Measure of a Good Idea: Compare the Segway with disposable diapers and what do you see? The difference between mere invention and world-changing innovation."

[Greg Needel]

This article is exceptional!

I think that it lays out very clearly the way that invention and innovation fits into society and should act as a guide for every promising inventor. As someone who works in a creative development environment i urge you all to read this and take what the author says to heart as it is the way the world works.

[Stu Bloom]

As a Segway owner I'll start out by admitting that I am biased on this subject, however I think Mr./Ms. Patnaik dismisses the Segway much too quickly and easily. It was not invented as just another cool gadget/toy, but with a real and important purpose in mind (reducing congestion and pollution in large cities). He even admits himself that the disposable diaper was the result of decades of research. I say give the Segway some time ...

From the writers comments it is very clear that he has NO firsthand knowledge of the Segway - most of his information is a regurgitation of what other naysayers have written. While the article does make some very good points about innovation, please make sure you also read the "reader comments" at the bottom of the page.