Most of us would agree that innovation drives economic cycles. Yet, in recent years we've seen a risk aversion among investors and corporate leaders alike that has stifled innovation by emphasizing "time to market" as the highest good. Judy Estrin challenges this trend, pointing out that if your focus today is on short-term profits, what will your source of short-term profits be five years from now? Based on lessons learned in several successful and highly innovative start-ups, Estrin describes how to create an environment in which innovation can flourish in companies large or small. She explains that innovators must be allowed to fail; that pushing to scale a product too early can be a mistake; and why it's usually necessary to plan for leadership change once the innovation matures.
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