We can innovate rather than rely on the government bailout methods which don’t work very well and are prone to abuse by those in power to favor /earmark projects that are questionable. Here are a few of the items in Edison's “Innovation Literacy Blueprint"(TM)[page 223 in book]. Details can be found in the book. The authors talk about 5 competencies and each competency has 5 elements. [Quoted from the book with a few simple additions or changes.]
1. Solution centered mindset: a. Align your goals to your passions b. Cultivate Charismatic optimism c. Seek knowledge relentlessly d. Experiment relentlessly e. Pursue rigorous objectivity
2. Kaleidoscopic Thinking: a. Maintain a notebook b. Practice Ideaphoria c. Discern patterns d. Express ideas visually e. Explore the Road not taken
3. Full Spectrum Engagement: a. Intensity and Relaxation [See Flow and Creativity topics] b. Seriousness and playfulness c. Sharing and protecting d. Complexity and simplicity e. Seek solitude and participate in team work
4. Master Mind collaboration: a. Recruit for Chemistry and Results b. Design multi-disciplinary collaboration teams c. Inspire an environment of Open Exchange d. Reward collaboration e. Become a master networker
5. Super-value creation: a. Link market trends with core strengths b. Tune into your target audience c. Apply the right business model d. Understand Scale up effects e. Create unforgettable market – moving brands.
=======================
Note: A principle that Edison followed was to decipher the natural code about how things worked and then invent to make use of that code for the common good of mankind.
This is a good book about Thomas Edision and how he practiced his inventiveness
Authors: Michael J. Gelb and Sarah Miller Caldicott; Copyright 2007. Publisher: Dutton.