Inventions can make day-to-day life easier or revolutionize industries. However, most novel ideas wither on the vine. In this episode of the Cornell Keynotes podcast from eCornell, professor Richard Cahoon from the global development department at the Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences joins host Chris Wofford to discuss how creativity can shift a good idea that might be a flash in the pan to a great idea that stands the test of time.

Key Timestamps

• 03:45 - Cahoon’s background and international work in technology transfer
• 07:33 - Creativity’s role in invention as a catalyst to validation and longevity
• 11:10 - Right brain/left brain dichotomy and metacognition (thinking about your own thinking)
• 14:52 - “Inventiveness analysis” and “failed” inventions—like Post-it® Notes
• 19:13 - Blending analytical and creative thinking as entrepreneurs or intrapreneurs
• 20:55 - Jumping to conclusions
• 21:40 - Intellectual lenses and value proposition
• 24:05 - Entrepreneurial mindset in team dynamics
• 26:40 - Getting support for entrepreneurial endeavors through angel investors and networking
• 28:15 - Impact of AI on inventiveness and innovation
• 30:23 - Collecting the dots (data) and connecting the dots by looking for patterns
• 36:20 - Finding the target audience for your invention
• 39:04 - Maintaining momentum with your invention and knowing when to set things aside
• 42:35 - Common mental blocks that can inhibit the creative process

Relevant eCornell Programs

Learn more in Cahoon’s Invention and IP Management online certificate program and these technology, leadership and business programs from eCornell:

• Innovation Strategy
• Intrapreneurship
• Startup Funding and Finance
• Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Emerging Markets

Reading List and Resources

• “A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future” by Daniel H. Pink
• “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” by Carol Dweck
• “The Power of Mindfulness” by Nyanaponika Thera
• Google Patents
• United States Patent and Trademark Office - Prior Art Search

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