In our second episode, our Co-Founder Waheed Rahman (@iwaheedo) is joined by British historian and author Dr. Anton Howes (@antonhowes)  where we uncover the roots of innovation in the modern world, including how to create innovation ecosystems with a focus on 16th-19th century Britain as a case-study. 

Dr. Anton is the Head of Innovation Research at The Entrepreneurs Network and released his latest book 'Arts and Minds: How the Royal Society of Arts Changed a Nation'. He's also a former Lecturer in Economic History at King's College London.

OUTLINE:

Here are the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players, you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time. 

(00:00) - Introduction to Episode

(01:55) - First-principles: Defining Innovation vs Invention

(07:08) - Industrial Revolution: Why this epoch of time is so crucial in innovation history?

(12:43) - Specific technologies - Idea of different Industrial Revolutions

(15:22) - Innovation in other regions 

(16:47) - Key factors that led to an accelerated period of innovation and invention in 16th-century Britain

(22:41) - Scientific Revolution and effects of the Baconian Program on Early Britain during the 1500s and 1600s

(32:44) - Reasons and origins of why the idea of 'improvement mentality' came about

(41:33) - Is Necessity the mother of all inventions? 

(48:20) - Effect of British Colonialism in accelerating innovation

(59:03) - Is there a decline in Innovation in Britain vs the American acceleration in the 20th century?

(1:06:09) - Lessons for Emerging Markets when it comes to creating Innovation Ecosystems

(1:14:28) - Ending