188 Chapter 11

Many scientists agree that the most important characteristics of the innovative mind are an open mind and persistence in the face of discouragement. The two are related. Great innovators intrinsically enjoy their work, and therefore keep an open mind. Not fearing failure, they have little hesitancy in trying something new, like fine artists who say, «You've got to draw it wrong before you draw it right». Even if an experiment fails, they learn from it. Another important thing is freedom that really nurtures discovery.

Successful innovators follow different patterns of inventions. A common characteristic, however, is the ability to step back and view a larger picture. For innovative process both mental and experimental models are equally important. Prior to synthesizing the invention, the innovator compartmentalizes experiential knowledge. Metaphorically speaking, one puts all the things one knows on cards and throws them into the air. As they hit the floor in interesting combinations, new insight may be revealed.

Inventors indeed do combine patience, skill and pragmatism with an intense, sometimes romantic refusal to give up.

Pathbreakers usually build on the work of others before them; rarely does genius come without a pedigree. Consider the laser. Its origins go back to fundamental research on microwave spectroscopy, which, in 1954, led to the operation of the first maser (that is still in use in radio astronomy). But by the late 1950s the laser emerged (now applied in printing, surgery, telecommunications, optical scanning, the precision cutting of materials, the reproduction of music etc.) In other instances, curiosity plays a key role. Thus the question arises:

«What is innovation?» As a matter of fact — how is innovation really defined? The answer is anything but straightforward.

to persist — to continue the course of action in

spite of opposition or warning укр. уперто

робити

persistence — укр. завзятість, наполегливість

to discourage — to take away courage,

confidence or hope from укр. розчаровувати,

зневірятися

to hesitate — to pause before making a

decision or taking an action укр. вагатися

hesitant — showing uncertainty about deciding

to act укр. той, що вагається

to nurture — to give care to, to cause or

encourage to develop укр. плекати

to compartmentalize — to divide into separate

divisions; to categorize укр. розділяти,

категоризувати

pathbreaker — укр. першовідкривач

to build on — to use as a base for further

development укр. грунтуватися, базуватися

pedigree — ancestry укр. родовід

anything but — far from, not at all укр. все, що завгодно (будь-що), тільки не straightforward — not difficult to understand or explain, simple; not hiding anything укр. простий, прямий

Anyway, some inventors are lucky, some are just doing their jobs — but all help define the essence of innovation on which technological progress ultimately depends.