Both inventions and innovations require much applied research to achieve their market success and their potential performance respectively. An important aspect of this applied research is the learning strategy. A simple learning strategy is an improvisatory strategy which is a trial and error approach to learning how to achieve market success in an invention and better performance in an innovation. In the 19th century most invention was by trial and error methodology, that is improvisatory methodology. An improvisatory strategy for innovation means the innovator is simultaneously trying to learn and achieve performance at the same time. For example, GM in installing new automation equipment in a factory must simultaneously learn how to effectively use the new machinery and produce autos for sale at the same time. In an improvisatory learning strategy for innovation the participants to achieve performance are highly constrained in how much experimentation they can perform to achieve better future performance. This is especially true in government innovation where equal treatment before the law effectively eliminates variation in administration.
A better learning strategy is a separation strategy which requires separating the learning activity into a formal research setting. For example, corporations currently develop new products in research and development laboratories. In agricultural innovation research is performed at research stations before the results are transmitted to farmers. The second strategy provides a systematic approach to the learning aspect of invention and innovation. An example of a systematic approach to learning is the use of statistically designed experiments to test the affect of variations in fertilizer application on crop yield. Currently most invention is done using a separation strategy; however most innovation still uses an improvisatory strategy.
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The government has promoted discovery, invention and innovation since WWII. President Clinton initiated several programs to advance automation. A program to promote technology in small majufacturers is the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). To check this program out click here, and decide for yourself whether this program should be considered corporate welfare. An important aspect of our competitiveness is how fast we can transfer ideas from university and government labs into the private sector. To view some resources on this topic click on
Also changes in the antitrust laws in 1984 have allowed private firms to form consortia to promote research on joint projects. For a list of consortia sites, courtesy of Yahoo, check here.
Many private consulting firms earn their revenues by promoting innovation in their public and private clients. A partial list is provided by the Yahoo, a private firm providing an internet search service.