Game Changers

Game Changers gives readers a horizontal and vertical view of the wide reach of innovation over time and its impact on the lives of individuals and societies. Innovation has shaped human history in decisive ways. From light bulbs to lasers, from plumbing to water purification, innovation has helped human beings deal with change, cope with major problems and to achieve what had once seemed either impossible or even unthinkable. Today, innovation is increasing in importance to human society because so much of our well- being depends on it. In a future that will be largely shaped by increasing demands on finite natural resources, innovation will be the key to being able to do more with less. As a result, the well-known mantra from many companies to do work that is "better, faster and cheaper" will become decreasingly connected to the idea of return on investment; instead, the improvements brought about by innovation will be increasingly associated with truly sustainable (i.e., enduring) economic development and, most importantly, sustainable competitive advantage. We can choose the wrong path of continuing with old economic habits in a new era. Game Changers remind us that change for the better is indeed possible and essential, but it (like the innovations reviewed in this book) will take focused effort and hard work.