Introduction
Scott Berkun’s book, The Myths of Innovation, explores how contemporary society transcended the false myth of innovation’s impact and transformation. The book outlines ten myths, which the author uses to depict how “false” invention stories skew society’s perception of innovation. Therefore, the paper aims to analyze the ten stereotype innovations discussed in the book using a known invention: Apple’s iPod, The Internet, The zipper, and Viagra. The objective is to examine how at least four of Berkun’s listed stereotypes do not hold.
The internet
Scott Berkun’s argues that innovation is a combination of past events that culminate in a single moment. Essentially, there are similar patterns that exist in the work of innovation. Scott Berkun’s asserts that there are no “singular magic” moments when an idea is birthed. However, there are small insights of innovation, which accrue over a lengthy period of time only to be manifested in a given time. Based on Scott Berkun’s first innovation stereotype, “The Myth of Epiphany,” the internet needed at least forty years of innovation in packet-switching, networking, and electronics before being discovered (Berkun, 2010). This innovation stereotype is based on the assumption that all inventions rely on “minor” or unrelated innovation within the same area of interest. However, The Myth of Epiphany” may fail to hold in respect to the invention of the internet. Ideally, Tim Berners is credited for inventing the World Wide Web in 1989. Working as a software engineer in a particle physics laboratory near Geneva, Switzerland. The latter noticed that most of the engineers experienced difficulties transferring data or information from one region to another. Tim Berners proposed the “Information Management: A Proposal” that aimed to connect computers in different parts of the world in real-time to solve the problem. The latter examined the problem experienced by the employee at CERN in respect to sharing or keeping track of large volumes of information “passing” through the company. Tim Berners discussed an idea to solve the problem, which can assist VERN in linking its information system devices in various parts of the world. He proposed the adoption of HTML (HyperText Markup Language), URI (Uniform Resource Identifier), and HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) to link each device.
Based on the above description, it can be noted the World Wide Web was invented by the necessity to solve a specific organizational problem that faced CERN. Despite Tim Berners’ technical capability in electrical devices, he could not use past experience to come up with the internet. However, after observing a specific organizational problem on information sharing, he experienced an “epiphany moment” that triggered his interest to invent the technical solution. This line of argument contradicts Scott Berkun’s first innovation stereotype, “The Myth of Epiphany,” that innovation is a culmination of the single moment with an individual’s line of interest or passion at the point of innovation. Therefore, indicating that Scott Berkun’s innovation stereotype “The Myth of Epiphany” did hold in the invention of the internet.
Furthermore, Berkun’s claim that there is no innovation can be linked to a lone invention. He argues that most “famous” inventions are typically a result of a collective effort from different individuals from a related or unrelated field. However, this stereotype may fail to hold in the context of internet invention. Tim Berner’s internet proposal demonstrates the capability of an individual to develop a new concept or invention that can transform the world. His proposal is necessitated by the need to solve existing communication challenges. Moreover, Berkun asserts that good ideas are readily available. He points out that people have all the solutions to problems affecting society. This line of argument is improper because if good ideas were readily available, “everyone” would be an “innovator.” Most good ideas are not readily available; it takes time even before they are adopted or implemented. The invention of the internet by Tim Berners is considered one of the most innovative “things” which have revolutionized human society. The internet was a good idea, but it took decades before it was invented, even after discovering the first computers in the mid-twentieth century.
Ideally, employees are required to “look up to” their superiors. Such perceptions are harbored on Berkun’s stereotype that the boss knows more than the employee. In the context of internet invention, this myth fails to uphold. This is because the “bosses” of Tim Berners failed to appreciate the significance of his innovative proposal called “Information Management: A Proposal.” Infant, they suggest that Tim Berner’s suggestion on the internet was “vague,” demonstrating their inadequacy in understanding complex concepts presented by their juniors.
Apple iPod
Scott Berkun asserts that “individuals like new inventions” is a misconception. Scott Berkun suggests that people tend to prefer new ideas when other people have tested them. The “love of new ideas” is a myth because, according to Scott Berkun, people often consume good ideas, which have been tried and tested with new ideas (Berkun, 2010). It is difficult for most people to vie new ideas negatively, especially after being tested by the innovators. This means that innovations, which have been tested and sampled in the market receive high ratings and acceptability.
In 2001, Apple produced the first generation iPod. The iPod boasted new intuitive and interactive features that allowed the user to store a thousand songs. The iPod revolutionized the music player system from the traditional “hand” held stereos. The iPod was designed to cater to the musical needs of the twenty-first generation that was tech-savvy. To date, the iPod is considered the fastest mp3 music player since 2001. Interestingly, the first patch of iPod was sold to the market within the first weeks of the launching. Most of the people appeared to admire the new iPod mp3 because of its revolutionary features. More so, there were no other similar products, which had been previously served in the market. This is because the iPod was the first invention of its kind in the market.
However, based on Scott Berkun’s “love of new ideas is a myth,” the iPod should not have received the type of “welcoming it had received” given the fact that it has not to be tested efficiently in the market. This demonstrates that people or consumers are more likely to appreciate new inventions in the market, which have not been tested previously in the market. Therefore, the argument made above demystifies Scott Berkun’s “love of new ideas is a myth” that did hold in the invention of the iPod.
Berkun’s stereotype on “the myth your boss knows more than you” implies that the boss is not “away” right regarding creating new inventions. Berkun’s that there is a common misconception in the public domain that business leaders are better at most things than employees. This argument can be countered by the innovative processes employed by Steve Jobs during the development of the iPod. The successful innovation of the iPod is linked to Steve jobs capability as a leader to delegate the creative processes during development. He proposed solutions for technical problems during IPod innovation stages, implemented by his team (employees) at Apple. Thus, demonstrating his capacity as a knowledgeable “boss,” hence discrediting Berkun’s stereotype on “the myth your boss knows more than you.”
Berkun suggests that it is a myth that “invention is always good.” The latter posit that a significant percentage of most innovations have a negative consequence on society. However, based on technological innovation such as iPod, such arguments can be discredited. For instance, iPod has accelerated the development of smartphones, music, and video streaming services in the social media age. Such success demystifies Berkun’s myth stereotype that “invention is always good.” Innovators are motivated by the need to solve problems present in society. By focusing on the problem of using limited cassettes in traditional stereos, Apple was able to design the iPod to allow its customers to listen to music at any time in a conveniently portable device. This argument contradicts Berkun’s stereotype myth that “problems are less interesting than solutions.”
Viagra
Scott Berkun’s seventh invention stereotype, “Your Boss Knows More about Innovation than You,” asserts that the employer “boss” is directly responsible for most inventions. Essentially, the person in charge is more knowledgeable than their subordinate, implying that they are more likely to innovate products or services than their junior.
In 1989, Albert Wood and Peter Dunn, British Pfizer scientists, developed the sildenafil citrate drug useful in angina and blood pressure. They proceeded to test the drugs on human test subjects with coronary heart disease. The study’s findings showed that the drug had more effects on the body, predominately causing an erection in men. Further examination by the two researchers showed that the invented drug was less effective in treating angina than inducing an erection. This invention was patent by Pfizer and later designed for mass production and sold as Viagra in the market. Notably, Albert Wood and Peter work as junior scientists in British Pfizer under the guidance of established medical and drug researchers. The two suggested that they created the sildenafil citrate from their free time. The narrative of sildenafil citrate invention does not fit Scott Berkun’s seventh invention stereotype, “Your Boss Knows More about Innovation than You.” This is because the inventors of Viagra were not heads of departments or senior executives working for Pfizer but rather as junior scientists. Thus, showing that innovation can emanate at any level of management within or outside the organization. Hence, Scott Berkun’s position on “Your Boss Knows More about Innovation than You” as an innovation myth does not hold true for the innovation of Viagra.
The sildenafil citrate drug invented by Albert Wood and Peter Dunn was primarily used for cardiovascular disease. The researchers had dedicated much of their resources to examining the drug’s performance on patients with coronary heart disease. The challenges experienced during testing the new drug “sildenafil citrate” yielded an unexpected result of “causing an erection.” Numerous pieces of literature highlight challenges experienced by Albert Wood and Peter Dunn in the invention of sildenafil citrate. The above discussion contradicts Scott Berkun’s viewpoint “that we know history” is a stereotyped myth. Furthermore, Scott Berkun’s first innovation stereotype, “The Myth of Epiphany,” on innovation does not hold regarding Viagra. Specifically, the invention of Viagra occurred in a “singular” moment, with the researcher realizing that sildenafil citrate drug had unintended consequences.
Scott Berkun asserts that “individuals like new inventions” is a misconception. He asserts individuals tend to prefer new ideas when other people have tested them. Albert Wood and Peter Dunn Viagra’s invention received “overwhelming reception” from the public to contradict his views. The sales from the first few months exceed two hundred million dollars. This demonstrates that people are likely to like new inventions even tested by others.
The zipper
Scott Berkun cautioned his audience that “every invention is good” is a common stereotype myth in his book. The latter provides numerous examples that demonstrate how numerous “good” inventions, especially those from the twentieth century, had negative consequences. For instance, the invention of the atomic bomb was viewed as a “good thing” by the Americans, but it resulted in tens of thousands of Japanese deaths during the world work. Nevertheless, society is an imperfect place where the concepts of good and evil exist, and in most situations, the “good” prevails. This is evident in most inventions, which have positively transformed the world.
In 1913, Gideon Sundback acquired his patent for his invention of the modern zipper because of its “separable fastener.” Gideon Sundback’s zipper invention enhanced the fastening section of the zipper by ten per inch. His zipper design was first used in pouching and booting tobacco. Coherently, after two-decade Gideon Sundback zipper was adopted in the fashion industry; this resulted in the designing and producing different types of clothes, especially for men using zippers. In the current society, the zipper is among the most common and used items in any piece of clothing. Today, zippers enable people to fasten clothing conveniently. There are no identifiable negative connotations that have been associated with zippers since their invention. Such observation contradicts Scott Berkun’s explanation on the myth that innovation is not good making. Therefore, affirming his myth does not hold in respect to the invention of the zipper.
Internet
Scott Berkun’s “The Myth of Epiphany” assumes that all innovations result from past collective actions from various “contributors.” However, examining the innovation of the modern zipper- depicts that Gideon Sundback’s zipper invention emanated out of necessity. This means that there were no previous extensive researches by other scientists that culminated in the invention of the zipper. Thus, Berkun’s listed stereotype “The Myth of Epiphany” does not hold in respect to the zipper.
Through the myth “the myth we love new ideas,” Scott Berkun posits that not all ideas are welcomed or loved by the population. He argues that inventions, which are appreciated and accepted in society, are few compared to many others, rejected. Moreover, Scott Berkun states that people require new ideas- such that innovations have to be re-invented or they may lose touch or value with the masses. In contrast, to the zipper invention, Gideon Sundback’s invention shows how individuals appreciate even the most uncomplicated innovations. This is evident because the zipper is still among the most commonly used invention despite being invented over a century ago. Therefore, it demonstrates that the listed stereotypes of Berkun’s “the myth we love new ideas” do not hold for the zipper invention.
In his book, Scott Berkun expresses his opinion that there is no best method in the invention process, believing that “there is nothing new out there.” However, most of the innovations have been a method of improvement based on previous discoveries. For example, the zipper invented by Gideon Sundback was a demonstration that “there was something better” than what existed. Gideon Sundback zipper had a reliable and practical design. Therefore, it illustrates that Berkun’s “The myth of a method” stereotypes do not hold true for the zipper invention.
Conclusion
The stereotypes discussed by Scott Berkun’s book, The Myths of Innovation, hold that many famous images of how innovation works do not hold up when scrutinized closely. However, the discussion offered in this paper regarding various innovations relating to Apple’s iPod, The Internet, The zipper, and Viagra shows how innovations were achieved contrary to innovation stereotypes. Overall, Berkun’s listed stereotypes have been observed not to hold any significant truth when benchmarked on most current or past inventions.
Reference
Berkun, S. (2010). The myths of innovation. ” O’Reilly Media, Inc.”.
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