More than any other species, humans have the ability to innovate. While animals are forced to adapt to their natural environment, humans innovate new ideas, technologies, skills and organizations to make their environment more suitable for human habitation.
The following books vary widely in their approach to understanding innovation. Some are focus on historical innovation, while other concentrate on modern high tech innovation. Some approach innovation from a high-level evolutionary viewpoint, while others are very focused on specific individuals or businesses.
I recommend that you read these book summaries in the following order:
- “The Myths of Innovation” by Scott Berkun
- “Where Good Ideas Come From” by Steven Johnson
- “Adapt: Why Success Always Starts with Failure” by Tim Harford
- “The Innovator’s Dilemma” by Clayton Christensen
- “The Innovator’s DNA” by Clayton Christensen et
- “Prophet of Innovation: Joseph Schumpeter and Creative Destruction” by Thomas McCraw
- “Social Networks in the History of Innovation and Invention” by Francis Moon
- “Knowledge and Competitive Advantage” by Johann Peter Murmann
- “Networked Machinists: High-Technology Industries in Antebellum America” by David Meyer
If there is a book that you find particularly interesting, please support the author by buying the book.
The Ratchet of Technology, a site by Michael Magoon 