The book: the myths of innovation

If you’ve been reading here for awhile you know I have some questions about innovation history. Well the book I’ve been working on for the last two years has some answers.

The book is called The myths of innovation and it has 3 goals:

1) Identify the myths we have about new ideas and innovation
2) Explore why they’re popular and how they came to be
3) Use lessons from history to replace myths with knowledge

I’m taking big swings in this book: I take on meaty concepts like creativity, revolution, history and progress, telling great stories from innovations past, while delivering advice at a fast pace. It’s a shorter book than artofpm but the challenge to readers, and the value, is much greater. (But what do I know – I’m just the writer).

Over the next few weeks leading up to the book’s April release (date tba) I’ll dig in on some of these themes, shed light on the myths, and give you a preview of what’s to come. A book tour like last time (west coast and east) is in the works, and I’ll post more details as I have them.

Thanks to all of you who have commented here along the way: Its made a difference and I’m grateful.

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Posted Wednesday, February 7th, 2007 at 2:09 am

in On writing | 22 Comments »

Scott (admin) - February 8, 2007 at 6:08 pm #

I love Canada! Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver are among my favorite cities.

Right now I’m just started planning – so we’ll see what i can make work.

Francesca - February 20, 2007 at 2:13 pm #

Hi Scott

After enjoying your first book, I’m looking forward to The Myths of Innovation. You might find this discussion with IDEO cofounder Bill Moggridge (if you have not already heard it) of some value.
http://www.itconversations.com/shows/detail1731.html

Happy writing, Francesca

Peter Jones - November 5, 2009 at 5:26 pm #

Hi Scott
Thanks for ‘tmoi’ a great read which I’ve just quoted -
“An idea is not an innovation until it reaches people.” p.45
- on my blog:
http://hodges-model.blogspot.com/
Best regards
PJ

Endless Innovation - February 7, 2007 at 10:22 am

What are the myths of innovation?…

If you’ve been tracking the business innovation space over the past year or so, you’re probably aware that Scott Berkun is working on a new book about innovation with an April 2007 release date. Below, Scott explains that a major…

Seattle BizJam » Blog Archive » BizJam is June 9, 2007 - February 10, 2007 at 1:46 pm

[...] Welcome to BizJam, a radically different kind of business conference that will be held in Seattle at two locations on June 9th. BizJam is a hybrid between an unconference (organized by attendees) and a traditional conference (organized by, well, organizers). The day portion of events and workshops, the “biz” side of things, will feature a keynote address by best-selling O’Reilly author Scott Berkun, author of “The Myths of Innovation,” and several other invited speakers. The rest of the 18 sessions and panel discussion will be created and organized (in advance) by you, the conference attendees. [...]

Biznik - Business Networking that Doesn’t Suck » BizJam: a business-building marathon of ideas, inspiration and innovation - February 27, 2007 at 1:05 pm

[...] BizJam is a radically different kind of business conference: a hybrid between an unconference (organized by attendees) and a traditional conference (organized by, well, organizers). BizJam will feature speakers, panels, and “JamSessions” designed to help bootstrapping entrepreneurs acquire the skills and make the connections they need to survive and thrive. It will be held in Seattle at two locations on June 9th, 2007. Best-selling O’Reilly author Scott Berkun, author of “The Myths of Innovation

Berkun blog » Blog Archive » Why research labs fail at innovation - March 20, 2007 at 3:10 am

[...] In researching the myths of innovation I studied how research labs in established companies work and many miss the point: I posit that labs succeed or fail because of relationships with product teams and their VPs and not their technological brilliance or war chest of breakthrough ideas. [...]

scottberkun.com » Blog Archive » Bay area/Seattle book tour: venues wanted! - April 4, 2007 at 9:53 am

[...] The Myths of innovation book is wrapping up fast and it’s time to put together another crazy kick-ass no-frills book tour. [...]

scottberkun.com » Blog Archive » Why research labs fail at innovation - April 4, 2007 at 9:56 am

[...] In researching the myths of innovation I studied how research labs in established companies work and many miss the point. [...]

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[...] beginning with a brilliant ideas that led to great success? Scott Berkun, in his marvelous book, The Myths of Innovation, describes this as “They myth of epiphany” “Even if there existed an epiphany [...]

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[...] Browser History – First, Early – This is a cool link courtesy of the Myths Of Innovation book by Scott Berkun.

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[...] am reminded of Scott Berkun’s words from his book The Myths of Innovation — that innovation is messy, making lots of unexpected twists and turns. I have underestimated [...]

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[...] Or their efforts are frustrated by their backward times. In Scott Berkun’s excellent book, The Myths of Innovation, he gives many historical examples of scientists trying to end violent conflict through inventions [...]

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[...] his book, The Myths of Innovation, author/entrepreneur/blogger/professor Scott Berkun makes a pretty good case for the fact that [...]