The Innovators Studio with Phil McKinney

The Innovators Studio with Phil McKinney

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The Innovators Studio with Phil McKinney episodes

  • How to Distinguish Good Science from Bad Science

    Science is a powerful tool. It can change the world, improve our understanding of our universe, and help us find new and innovative ways to solve problems. But science is only as good as the data it uses, and bad science can lead us astray.

    Over the last few years, I've written several articles and recorded a similar number of podcasts on ethics related to innovation. Just as this is titled Bad Science, we could have titled it Bad Innovation.

    In this episode, we explore how to determine whether the science you are reading is accurate or not.

    The inspiration for this episode came from an infographic created by Compound Interest (compoundchem.com). I've taken the list of ways to spot bad science and created my descriptions with examples — but all credit goes to @compoundchem.

    12 Ways To Spot Bad Science

    There are many ways to identify bad science studies and articles that publish the results, but here are twelve of the most common. You can protect yourself from being misled by being aware of these red flags.

    1) Sensationalised Headlines

    Sensationalized headlines can be incredibly misleading. They often over-simplify the findings or, worse, misrepresent them entirely. Misinterpretation can lead to bad decision-making on the reader's part and ultimately negatively impact.

    It's essential to be discerning when reading science articles and always to consider the source of information. Reputable sources always aim to present accurate information, while less reputable sources may sensationalize information to get more readers/viewers. In the long run, this can muddy the waters and make it more difficult for people to discern what is true.

    An example of a misleading sensationalized headline would be the article "A New Drug Can Cure Alcoholism," published by The Sun. The report claims that a new drug called Selincro can "cure" alcoholism, but this is not the case. Selincro is for alcohol dependence, not alcoholism, and it does not cure addiction.

    2) Misinterpreted Results

    Misinterpreted results can often lead to bad science and innovation. Research in the media can be sensationalized or simplified in a way that distorts the actual findings. Simplification can lead to poor decisions being made based on inaccurate information. Therefore, reading the original research to understand what was studied is essential. Only then can informed decisions be made about whether the findings apply to your work.

    One example of misinterpreted results would be the oft-cited study that claimed eating chocolate can help you lose weight. Later found to be flawed, and the author had to retract his findings.

    3) Conflict of Interest

    Science often thought of as a purely objective pursuit, is unaffected by the biases and motivations of the people involved. However, scientists are people, and their interests and agendas can influence them. Their agenda is a conflict of interest.

    A conflict of interest can distort scientific research and make poor decisions. For example, scientists might be more likely to publish results that support their theory or downplay negative results.

    Conflicts of interest can also hurt innovation. Innovators seeking patents or commercial opportunities are less likely to share their findings with others. Lack of information sharing can stifle innovation and prevent the development of new ideas.

    Ultimately, it is crucial to recognize that conflicts of interest exist, and we must consider them when evaluating discoveries. It is also essential to have transparent and accountable systems to manage conflicts of interest.

    A recent example of a conflict of interest that impacted innovation is the Volkswagen emissions scandal. In 2015, reports surfaced that Volkswagen had been cheating on emissions tests for its diesel cars. Cheating was possible because Volkswagen had developed software to turn off the emissions controls during car testing. The software allowed the cars to pass the emissions tests, but when they were on the road, they emitted more pollutants than allowed.

    This scandal highlighted the importance of managing conflicts of interest and showed how bad decisions could happen when scientists are not impartial.

    4) Correlation and Causation

    Science can be misused and abused by exploiting people's confusion between correlation and causation.

    Correlation is when two things happen together more often than would be expected by chance. For example, there is a correlation between ice cream sales and murders — when ice cream sales go up, so do murders. But that doesn't mean that eating ice cream causes people to murder others. There could be any number of other factors at work.

    Causation, on the other hand, means that one thing causes another. When we say that A causes B, it means that A always comes before B— and that changing A will change B. For example, we know that smoking causes cancer because smokers are more likely to get cancer than non-smokers. Changing the amount of smoking will change the amount of cancer.

    When two things appear correlated, it's important not to jump to conclusions and assume that one thing is causing the other. Without doing proper research and testing, bad science can result. So next time you hear about some scientific study that seems too good to be true, be skeptical!

    Using scientific studies to sell products is one commercial example where correlation and causation can mislead the public. A study that shows a correlation between a product and a positive outcome can persuade people to buy the product. But without knowing the full details of the study, it's hard to tell if the product caused the correlation.

    For example, numerous studies show a correlation between eating breakfast and being thinner. So, many companies have started selling breakfast foods to help people lose weight. But does eating breakfast make you thinner? It's hard to say because there are many other factors at work. Maybe people who eat breakfast are more likely to be thinner overall or more likely to exercise in the morning. It's difficult to say for sure what's causing the correlation.

    5) Unsupported Conclusions

    Bad science can often come from unsupported conclusions. When a study jumps to a conclusion without proper evidence, it can be misleading and cause further bad science. This is because people may get the wrong idea about the study and try to build on that misconception. In some cases, this can even lead to injury lawsuits by bad information based on bad science.

    Therefore, studies must be very clear on what their evidence shows and what conclusions are still speculative. Clear studies allow people to understand the research better and prevent bad science from spreading further.

    One recent example of bad science based on unsupported conclusions is the case of Theranos. This company claimed to have developed a new way to test blood requiring much less than traditional methods. However, after multiple retractions of their studies, revealing that their technology didn't work. The revelation led to massive financial losses for investors and patients who trusted the company.

    Others attempting to follow in their footsteps found themselves back at the drawing board, wasting time and resources on something that wasn't possible. This is just one example of how bad science can have far-reaching consequences.

    6) Problem with Sample Size

    Small sample sizes can lead to bad science for several reasons.

    First and foremost, when the sample size is small, it's more likely that the data will not represent the population. This means that any conclusions drawn from that data may be inaccurate.

    Additionally, small samples have less statistical power, meaning they're less likely to detect differences between groups or to identify significant results. This can lead to bad science in two ways: if researchers incorrectly conclude that there is no difference between groups and falsely deem a result statistically significant when it's not.

    Finally, small sample sizes can increase the chances of type II errors (false negatives), which means publishing bad science because of a missed true effect due to the small sample size. These issues caused by small sample sizes can lead to faulty conclusions and bad science.

    One recent example of a research study based on a small sample size that leads to bad science is a study on the effect of fluoride on children's intelligence. The study had a very small sample size, and as a result, the authors could not detect any significant difference between the fluoride and placebo groups. This led to bad science, as the authors incorrectly concluded that fluoride does not have an impact on children's intelligence.

    7) Unrepresentative Samples Used

    Unrepresentative samples are often used in bad science experiments, leading to faulty conclusions.

    Using a non-representative sample makes it much easier to obtain the results you're looking for because the data is guaranteed to be biased. Bad science perpetuates itself when this happens, and we often can't trust any scientific findings. For example, a study that claims salt is terrible for your health might be from 1a sample of people who already have health problems. The study would give the impression that salt is bad for everyone when it might only harm people with certain conditions.

    If we rely on these studies to make decisions about our health, we could be doing ourselves a disservice. It's, therefore, important to always look at the methodology of a study before accepting its conclusions as fact. Only by doing so can we avoid being misled by bad science.

    8) No Control Group Used

    The lack of a control group might doubt the results of an experiment. It's critical to compare the outcomes from test participants who received the tested substance to a control group that didn't receive it in clinical trials. This process allows researchers to see whether the drug made any difference.

    Random allocation of groups is also crucial to minimize bias. In experiments, it's important to have a control test for controlled variables, allowing researchers to isolate the effects of a single variable.

    Perhaps the most famous example of bad science without a control group is the case of thalidomide. The marketed sedative for pregnant women in the 1950s and 1960s revealed that the drug caused severe congenital disabilities in thousands of children.

    9) No Blind Testing Used

    By not blinding the test, researchers can introduce bias into the study. Lack of blind testing can happen in different ways, such as researcher bias, subject bias, and observer bias.

    Researcher bias happens when the researcher has a preconceived notion about the study's outcome and influences how it is conducted or analyzed.

    Subject bias is when the subject knows which group they are in and alters their behavior. For example, if someone knows they are in a test group using a new drug treatment and feels better than those in the control group, they may believe that the drug worked when it didn't.

    Observer bias is when someone not involved in the study (e.g., a friend or family member of one of the participants) knows which group a participant is in and reports on their behavior differently based on that information.

    These biases can lead to inaccurate findings and conclusions in scientific studies. This can have far-reaching consequences, using bad science to make recommendations or decisions about treatments, policies, etc. It's, therefore, important that scientists use a blind test whenever possible.

    One example of not using a blind test that caused future bad science is the Tuskegee syphilis study. In this study, 399 black men with syphilis were left untreated so researchers could study the progression of the disease. Even after it was discovered that penicillin could cure the disease, the study continued for another two years. This study's lack of a blind test led to biased results and further bad science.

    10)Selective Reporting of Data

    Regarding scientific research, the data collected should be unbiased and interpreted relatively. However, sometimes bad science is caused by researchers selectively reporting data. They review the data that supports their conclusion and ignore any information that does not. This can cause incorrect judgments and assertions.

    One way to avoid this issue is always to present all the data collected, regardless of whether it supports your findings. This will help ensure that other researchers can interpret and analyze the data and reach their conclusions. It is essential to be open and transparent about your research methods and results so that others can evaluate them for themselves.

    A recent example of bad science caused by selective data reporting is the paper "The Mismeasure of Man" by Stephen Jay Gould. In this paper, Gould argues that intelligence tests are biased against certain groups of people, such as women and minorities. However, later research has shown that Gould selectively reported data to support his conclusions. For example, he ignored evidence that showed no significant difference in test scores between men and women.

    11)Unreproducible Results

    When research is not reproducible, it becomes difficult to verify the findings, which can create doubt about the entire study. This can lead to bad science, as scientists may accept bad data as fact. In short, reproducible research is essential for good science, and when research is not reproducible, it can lead to a variety of problems.

    One recent example of a retracted study that could not be reproduced is the infamous "South Korean stem cell study." Researchers claimed to have created stem cells in this study using a new method, but other scientists could not reproduce the results. As a result, the journal that originally published the study retracted it.

    12)Non-Peer Reviewed Material

    The importance of using peer-reviewed studies cannot be overstated. Using these studies, researchers can be sure that the information they are getting is accurate and reliable. Studies that have not been peer-reviewed may be flawed and thus unreliable. This can lead to bad science and inaccurate information being spread. Peer review is a critical step in the scientific process and helps to ensure that only the best, most accurate information is published.

    There has been a recent rash of peer-reviewed studies and later retracted. It is not a perfect system, but it is our best. To avoid bad science, researchers should always look for peer-reviewed studies.

    One example of a study that was peer-reviewed but later retracted is the infamous study on climate change by Dr. Michael Mann. The study, published in 1999, purported to show a correlation between climate change and the increase in global temperatures. However, the study was later retracted after it was revealed that the data had been manipulated.

    These kinds of retractions of peer-reviewed studies put all other studies into question. It is hard to know which studies to trust when bad science like this makes its way into the peer-reviewed process.

    Good Science versus Bad Science

    Science is a process of exploration and discovery. When bad science occurs, it can cast doubt on all the findings of that study and the entire scientific process. However, we can avoid being misled by these studies by being aware of the signs of bad science. We can also help to ensure that good science is not tainted by bad data.

    It is important to remember that science is an ever-evolving process. The retracted "South Korean stem cell study," for example, may have been flawed, but it led to discoveries about stem cells that could not have been made otherwise. In this way, even bad science can be valuable in helping us learn more about the world.

    We should not give up on science just because of bad science; instead, we should use bad science as a learning experience and continue to explore and discover new truths about the world around us.

    Let's work together to recognize and reward good science while calling out bad science so that we can ensure the best information in which to make informed decisions.

    35 min
  • Black Swan Innovation

    No one can predict the future, but that doesn't mean we can't prepare for it.

    We'll explore the concept of black swan innovation and discuss how leaders can respond to these events when they occur. We will also look at some examples of black swan innovations that have profoundly impacted society. Leaders can minimize the negative consequences of these unpredictable occurrences by understanding what a black swan event is and how to prepare for it.

    So, What is a Black Swan Innovation?

    A Black Swan innovation is an unpredictable event or occurrence that changes the course of an industry or business. It is something that no one could have ever predicted and can completely overturn the status quo.

    The term "black swan" comes from the idea that black swans are events or occurrences that are so rare that they are almost impossible to predict. The black swan was given its name because all other swans were white before being discovered in Australia. Consequently, the bird was thought of as an impossibility.

    The Black Swan

    Nassim Taleb popularized the term in his book, The Black Swan: The Impact of the Highly Improbable. In his book, Nassim discusses the idea of black swan events and how they can majorly impact businesses and industries. He argues we should not focus on predicting these events but be prepared for them when they occur.

    Taleb believes we should not prioritize past data when making predictions, as this data may not indicate future outcomes. Instead, it is crucial to focus on the present and future rather than the past.

    Hindsight Risk

    Hindsight claims of having seen a black swan can be misleading because they can lead to inaccurate assessments of the probability of an event. For example, if someone says they saw a black swan before it happened, it could give a false impression that the event was more likely than it was. The event could lead to people making decisions based on inaccurate information.

    How To Prepare for Black Swan Events

    Leaders should always be prepared for the unexpected, including being ready for black swan events. Before a black swan occurs, leaders should ensure accurate information about the probability of a range of events happening. This information can help them make sound decisions in the face of a black swan when it happens.

    Leaders should have a plan in place for how to respond to a black swan. This plan should include contingencies for various potential scenarios. By being prepared, leaders can minimize the negative consequences of a black swan event.

    Leaders should be prepared for many different types of black swan events. Some examples include:

    Natural Disasters

    A natural disaster is a catastrophic event caused by natural phenomena such as floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, or tornadoes.

    Financial Crises

    A financial crisis is when the value of financial assets collapses, leading to a liquidity crisis and often a recession.

    Political Unrest

    Political unrest is when social order is disrupted due to protests or civil unrest.

    Technological and Innovation Disruptions

    A technological disruption is an event that occurs when a new technology is introduced that disrupts or replaces the status quo entirely.

    By being prepared for these and other types of black swan events, leaders can minimize the negative consequences that these events can have on their organizations.

    Examples of Black Swan Events

    Some past examples of black swan innovation include:

    Printing Press

    Before the printing press, books were hand-copied by scribes, which was a slow and expensive process. The printing press allowed for books to be printed in large quantities, which made them more affordable and allowed for more people to access them. The printing press led to a period of rapid intellectual growth and helped to spread knowledge throughout the world.

    Electricity

    Before the discovery of electricity, people relied on candles and other forms of light. Electricity allowed the development of new technologies such as light bulbs, radios, and televisions. The discovery led to a period of rapid technological growth and helped improve many people's quality of life.

    Internet

    The internet has allowed for the exchange of information and ideas on a previously unimaginable scale. It has also allowed for the development of new technologies, such as social media, which has revolutionized how people interact. Additionally, the internet has made it easier for people to access information and has led to a period of rapid economic growth. By allowing for the exchange of information and ideas on a global scale, the internet has had a far-reaching impact on society that is difficult to overestimate.

    Each of these inventions was a game-changer that completely disrupted the status quo. They were all considered impossible until they happened, and they each profoundly impacted society.

    Responding To A Black Swan Event

    If a leader is suddenly faced with a black swan event they did not prepare for, there are several steps they can take to minimize the negative consequences.

    1. Assess the situation and gather as much information as possible. This information can help make informed decisions about responding to the event.

    2. Develop a plan for how to respond to the event. This plan should include contingencies for various potential scenarios. By being prepared, leaders can minimize the negative consequences of a black swan event.

    3. Communicate with their team and stakeholders. Open communication is essential during a crisis. Leaders should keep everyone updated on the situation and let them know what steps to address the issue.

    4. Focus on maintaining calm and order, which can be difficult during a chaotic event, but it is essential to maintain control. Leaders should provide clear instructions and expectations to their team and be available to answer questions and address concerns.

    5. Take the time to review the situation after it has passed. Reviewing can help one learn from experience and adjust plans for future events.

    While there is no way to predict or prepare for every possible black swan event, leaders can minimize the adverse effects of these events by being prepared and taking quick, decisive action when they occur.

    Not If But When

    It is not if a black swan event will occur, but when.

    Black swan innovation is like a tidal wave — it is unpredictable, but it can cause a lot of damage when it hits. However, leaders can minimize the negative consequences if they are prepared for black swan events. By being proactive and staying calm under pressure, leaders can help their team weather the storm. In the aftermath, taking the time to review what happened and learn from the experience is crucial.

    As Nelson Mandela once said, "I never lose. I either win or learn."

    23 min
  • A Solution to the Innovation Journalism Problem

    Previously on the show, we discussed the failure of innovation journalism in the modern day. To combat the failure of innovation journalism, we are launching The Innovators Network (TIN).

    Founded upon the belief that innovation is essential to addressing the world's most pressing problems, The Innovators Network wants to empower readers and inspire them to become agents of change. We will provide them with the information needed to make informed decisions around innovations.

    Innovation Journalism

    We believe that excellent innovation journalism should be three things:

    • Solution-oriented - Telling the whole story behind an innovation while sharing the problem the solution will solve.
    • Human-centered - Focused on the people behind the innovation and how it affects their lives.
    • Actionable - Providing readers with the information they can use to make decisions in their own lives.
    What's New?

    The Innovators Network's content will sport a variety of topics, including but not limited to: health care, transportation, energy, education, food, manufacturing, and information technology. To ensure the quality of our content, we have already attracted support from leading contributors such as Emmy Award-winning journalist Kym McNicholas. All my content will now be available on The Innovators Network. Our network of external contributors will now include journalists, analysts, industry experts, and thought leaders from various organizations. This change allows us to provide comprehensive and accurate innovation coverage.

    TIN Digital Content Platform

    The digital content platform has three main components:

    1. The Innovators Networkwebsite features original and syndicated articles, interviews, videos, and podcasts on innovation.
    2. A weekly newsletter will bring the best innovation content to your inbox.
    3. Social media accounts such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedInwill provide essential updates on innovations.

    The TIN website launches today, so check it out! Watch out for the weekly newsletter sent out in the following weeks. You can sign up at the bottom of the TIN website. The social media accounts are already active.

    15 min
  • How To Monetize Your Ideas

    You need to be known as an inventor to attract the industry and make money from your ideas. The more successful you are as an inventor, the more people want to do business with you. I've discovered that submitting ideas to competitions and sharing work on social media are the best ways to build your reputation.

    Submitting your ideas to competitions exposes you to a broad audience while showing them you are a serious inventor. Sharing your work on social media gives you credibility in the eyes of potential customers and clients. Making money from your ideas can be daunting, but it is possible. You can increase your chances of success by following the steps outlined below.

    Common Inventor's Mistakes 1. Not Taking Action

    Ideas are worthless unless you execute them.

    2. Not Protecting Your Ideas

    File for a patent or copyright for your idea before sharing it, so no one else claims it.

    3. Not Marketing Your Idea

    Create a website, write a blog, and use social media to increase the chances of monetizing your idea.

    4. Not Being Persistent

    Successful monetization of your idea requires persistence.

    4 Steps to Idea Monetization 1. Validate that there is a market for your idea.

    Research companies that produce similar products or services to identify if there is demand for your idea.

    2. Talk to people in your chosen market.

    Ask for feedback on your idea.

    At this point, you have two choices:

    Work with a company specializing in licensing and monetizing ideas or create a company around your idea.

    If you choose to create a company around your ideas, then:

    3. Create a prototype.

    Prototyping will help you further validate your idea and give you something to show potential investors.

    4. Find investors.

    Negotiate a deal and start working on making your idea a reality.

    Using an Invention Firm

    Invention firms can help you protect your idea, market it, find investors, and turn it into a reality. If you choose to work with an invention firm, ensure you do the following:

    1. Make sure you understand the terms of the agreement. 2. Be cautious of companies that require upfront fees. 3. Do your research. 4. Get everything in writing. 5. Be prepared to give up some control.

    InventRight is a reputable firm that has helped many inventors get started with making money from their ideas. They also have a robust YouTube channel for inventors. We had Stephen Key, the founder, and CEO of InventRight, on the show back in April.

    Note: This is not a sponsorship or endorsement. I have not used their services for any of my ideas. They have impressed me with the breadth and depth of the ideas they have monetized.

    21 min
  • Procrastinators’ Guide for Innovators

    Procrastination is a thief of potential, time, happiness, and success. Innovators often don't realize have become procrastinators because of how many projects they start. While innovators start innovations, they fail to launch them.

    Failure to launch is one of the most insidious forms of procrastination. In innovation, you will get your next position or project based on your portfolio, not your resume. It's all about the execution. If you are interested in looking at a small sample of my portfolio, you can hop over to Techtrend.

    FIRE – Execution Stage

    The FIRE innovation framework is a great way to avoid the trap of starting but not completing.

    The key is to move from stage to stage in the framework until you've launched your innovation.

    People procrastinate the most in the execution stage.

    In the execution stage, things can get messy, but avoiding it is no excuse. As innovators, we tend to compare our ideas to others and want to launch something perfect. Perfectionism is one of the biggest roadblocks to creative output. Don't let the fear of failure block your chances of success.

    Anti-Procrastination Tips for Innovators
    1.     Focus on one innovation.

    Your focus will increase overall productivity as you will unlock the room for more innovations.

    2.     Set a deadline.

    Setting intermediate deadlines for each task allows you to reach goals effectively. “The difference between a dream and a goal is a deadline.” – Harvey Mackay

    3.     Find an accountability partner.

    A partner should be someone who keeps you on track and is supportive while offering honest feedback.

    4.     Break it down into smaller steps.

    Consider using an agile innovation process that breaks down a project into short iterative cycles.

    Check out our podcast on The 7 Essential Ingredients of Agile Innovation.

    5.     Focus on your why.

    Your why is the reason or your motivation for working on a particular project. If you can keep this in mind, it will help you push through the difficult times.

    6.     Celebrate your wins.

    Celebrating each accomplishment will help you keep your focus and motivation high.

    Achieving Innovation Success

    Regarding innovation, it's important to remember that Rome wasn't built in one day.

    Your first try will probably fail, and that is ok. It takes hard work, focus, and determination to be successful. If you follow the steps outlined, you'll be well on achieving your innovation goals.

    To know more about procrastination in innovation, listen to this week's show: Procrastinators‘ Guide for Innovators.

    RELATED:   Subscribe To The Newsletter and Killer Innovations Podcast
    23 min
  • Procrastinators Guide For Innovators

    Procrastination is a thief of potential, time, happiness, and success. Innovators often don't realize they are procrastinating because of how many projects they start. While innovators start innovations, they fail to launch them.

    Failure to launch is one of the most insidious forms of procrastination. In innovation, you will get your next position or project based on your portfolio, not your resume. It's all about the execution. If you are interested in looking at a small sample of my portfolio, you can hop over to Techtrend.

    FIRE - Execution Stage

    The FIRE innovation framework is a great way to avoid the trap of starting but not completing.

    The key is to move from stage to stage in the framework until you've launched your innovation.

    People procrastinate the most in the execution stage.

    In the execution stage, things can get messy, but avoiding it is no excuse. As innovators, we tend to compare our ideas to others and want to launch something perfect. Perfectionism is one of the biggest roadblocks to creative output. Don't let the fear of failure block your chances of success.

    Anti-Procrastination Tips for Innovators 1. Focus on one innovation.

    Your focus will increase overall productivity as you will unlock the room for more innovations.

    2. Set a deadline.

    Setting intermediate deadlines for each task allows you to reach goals effectively. "The difference between a dream and a goal is a deadline." - Harvey Mackay

    3. Find an accountability partner.

    A partner should be someone who keeps you on track and is supportive while offering honest feedback.

    4. Break it down into smaller steps.

    Consider using an agile innovation process that breaks down a project into short iterative cycles.

    Check out our podcast on The 7 Essential Ingredients of Agile Innovation.

    5. Focus on your why.

    Your why is the reason or your motivation for working on a particular project. If you can keep this in mind, it will help you push through the difficult times.

    6. Celebrate your wins.

    Celebrating each accomplishment will help you keep your focus and motivation high.

    Achieving Innovation Success

    Regarding innovation, it's important to remember that Rome wasn't built in one day.

    Your first try will probably fail, and that is ok. It takes hard work, focus, and determination to be successful. If you follow the steps outlined, you'll be well on achieving your innovation goals.

    22 min
  • The Failure of Innovation Journalism

    Innovation journalism is one of the essential types of journalism in the modern world. Journalists must explain and communicate these changes when innovations and ideas emerge to the public. Innovation journalism is currently in a state of crisis, as science and technology reporters only make up a small percentage of reporters in American newspapers. Despite this fact, according to a Pew Research Center survey, more than half of Americans say they want more news about science and technology. To truly understand and grapple with our changing world, we need journalists willing to provide real insight into emerging innovations.

    The Problem: Lack of Innovation Understanding

    Journalists and media platforms often sensationalize innovations to increase traffic while showing prejudice towards ones they don't like. Sensationalism can distort public understanding of potentially transformative innovations, promote misinformation, and distort policymaking. Innovation journalism should be about exploring the implications of innovations and ideas while shining a light on the people making them happen.

    Theranos: An Innovation Journalism Failure

    The media hailed Theranos as an exciting new technology that could revolutionize the blood testing industry. Theranos' CEO, Elizabeth Holmes, was often described as the "youngest self-made billionaire," Time Magazine referred to her as "The next Steve Jobs." Eventually, The Wall Street Journal revealed that Theranos was misleading investors and patients about its technology.

    Forced to shut down, Elizabeth Holmes was convicted on multiple counts of fraud. The lesson from the Theranos story is that innovation journalism needs to be more than just positive coverage of new technologies. It needs to be willing to ask tough questions and investigate claims made.

    Guidelines of Good Innovation Journalism

    Here are eight guidelines of good innovation journalism discussed in the podcast:

    1. Avoid Hype
    2. Seek Diverse Perspectives
    3. Consider the Implications
    4. Go Beyond the Press Release
    5. Verify The Claims
    6. Be Transparent About Your Sources
    7. Disclose Conflicts of Interest
    8. Label Opinions as Such
    The Future of Innovation Journalism

    If innovation journalism is to have a future, it must do several things.

    1. It must move away from its current focus on gadgetry and startups.
    2. It must embrace its role as a critical and informative force in society.
    3. It must also provide context and analysis, not just hype.
    4. It must ask hard questions and hold those in power accountable.

    Only then will it be able to fulfill its potential truly. Otherwise, it risks becoming nothing more than a buzzword or an empty promise. Having accurate, transparent, and unbiased reporting on innovation can empower individuals, organizations, governments, and society to bring about positive change.

    19 min
  • The Joy of Innovation

    Joy is a feeling of great pleasure and happiness. Many things can prevent us from enjoying our lives and our work. Finding ways to deal with these challenges is crucial, so they don't take away our happiness. Innovation is all about creating new things and solving problems.

    Being a part of successful innovation adds joy to your life. That joy has motivated me for 40 years of my career in innovation. It can be gratifying if you're able to make a difference in the world through innovation.

    What Brought Me Joy of Innovation

    In 1986, I led the development of one of the first biometric security devices, a fingerprint reader for a company called ThumbScan. Eventually, a company out of Stockholm acquired ThumbScan. Delivering something nobody thought could ever invent excited me and made me want to repeat it.

    Next, I worked on a supercomputer project at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. There was a researcher that had developed the concept of massively parallel supercomputers. The processing architecture was called MISC, which drove a lot of interest when we developed it. Ultimately, it got acquired by Atmel. It was exciting to see something we'd worked on for so long and so hard become real. The excitement gave others also brought me joy. Again, this joy motivated me to continue the process.

    Finding Joy of Innovation At Work

    Many things can take the joy out of innovation. While finding joy in your work is hard, making a few changes in your mindset is possible. Here are a few tips that I've applied over my career:

    1. Make a list of things you love at your job

    A list can help you remember why you chose this career in the first place

    1. Set small goals for yourself and celebrate when you reach them

    Goals can help give you a sense of accomplishment rather than waiting for the big win. I believe in utilizing Objectives and Key Results (OKRs).

    1. Find a mentor or role model who loves their work

    A mentor can give you a different perspective and encourage you

    1. Take a break when you're feeling overwhelmed

    Breaks can help you clear your head and come back to your work refreshed

    1. Talk to your friends and family about your work.

    Get those close friends and families who will tell you the truth and have your back when you need them.

    33 min
  • Process Innovation – Including the Innovation Process

    Process innovation is the implementation of new or significantly improved processes to achieve tangible outcomes. There are two types of processes: operational and managerial. Operational processes seek to improve efficiency through streamlining activities and eliminating production waste. Managerial processes strive to enhance the effectiveness of a process by improving coordination and decision-making. Redesigning the process's structure or improving its activities can help in both process types.

    Increasing departmental collaboration, creating a culture of experimentation, and utilizing data analytics help improve it. Constantly monitoring and refining an innovation process ensures businesses are always at the forefront of market trends and can create successful products.

    Why is Process Innovation Challenging?

    Process innovation involves change, which people don't typically like. It also requires a clear understanding of the process and areas of improvement. To achieve this, try breaking down the process into small parts, diagraming it, reordering it, or seeking help from an expert such as Techtrend. An implementation plan is needed to implement a business process innovation successfully.

    5 Benefits of Process Innovation 1. Reduced waste and costs

    Businesses can reduce waste by developing new methods or technologies to carry out activities more effectively.

    2. Improved efficiency

    Process innovation allows organizations to carry out activities more effectively, which reduces the time required to complete those activities.

    3. Increased production capacity

    The creation of more efficient processes can result in higher work handling.

    4. More affordable products or services

    Increasing efficiency can lead to lower costs and passed on to consumers at lower prices.

    5. Greater customer satisfaction

    When products or services meet the customer's needs, customer satisfaction and loyalty also increase.

    Example: The Ford Assembly Line

    The Ford assembly line increased efficiency and allowed for mass production. It also helped to reduce the cost of manufacturing cars, making them more affordable for consumers. Some call this a product and process innovation in a highly competitive business environment.

    32 min

About The Innovators Studio with Phil McKinney

From the publisher's feed

Forty years of billion-dollar innovation decisions. The real stories, the hard calls, and the patterns that repeat across every organization that's ever tried to build something new. Phil McKinney shares what those decisions actually look like.

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