In 'The Innovation Blind Spot,' Ross Baird uncovers the hidden biases that stifle creativity and hinder progress in both startups and established companies. He presents compelling case studies that reveal how overlooked perspectives can lead to groundbreaking innovations. Baird advocates for a more inclusive approach to innovation that embraces diverse voices and ideas. As he navigates the pitfalls of conventional thinking, he invites readers to rethink their strategies and expand their vision. This book challenges you to identify your own blind spots and unlock the true potential of innovation.
By Ross Baird
Published: 2017
""Innovation thrives at the edges of our understanding, where the risks are high, but the potential for breakthrough is even greater.""
Our innovation economy is broken. But there's good news: The ideas that will solve our problems are hiding in plain sight. While big companies in the American economy have never been more successful, entrepreneurial activity is near a 30-year low. More businesses are dying than starting every day. Investors continue to dump billions of dollars into photo-sharing apps and food-delivery services, solving problems for only a wealthy sliver of the world's population, while challenges in health, food security, and education grow more serious. In The Innovation Blind Spot, entrepreneur and venture capitalist Ross Baird argues that the innovations that truly matter don't see the light of day—for reasons entirely of our own making. A handful of people in a handful of cities are deciding, behind closed doors, which entrepreneurs get a shot to succeed. And most investors are what Baird calls "two-pocket thinkers"—artificially separating their charitable work from their day job of making a profit. The resulting system creates rising income inequality, stifled entrepreneurial ambition, social distrust, and political uncertainty. Our innovation problem makes all our other problems harder to solve. In this book, Baird demonstrates how and where to find better ideas by lifting up people, places, and industries that are often overlooked. What's more, Baird ultimately outlines how to create long-term success through "one-pocket thinking"—eliminating the blind spot that separates "what we do for a living" and "what we really care about."
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“"Innovation thrives at the edges of our understanding, where the risks are high, but the potential for breakthrough is even greater."”
The Innovation Blind Spot
By Ross Baird
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Ross Baird is an esteemed author known for his insightful explorations of technology, innovation, and their societal impacts. His notable works include 'The Innovation Paradox' and various articles that delve into the intersection of entrepreneurship and social change. Baird's writing style is characterized by a clear, analytical approach that engages a broad audience, making complex ideas accessible and thought-provoking.
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