Why is repeated innovation success so elusive? Why do some companies achieve one breakthrough but can't do it again? There is ample evidence to suggest that the hard-won experience and best practices that were the cornerstone of past innovation success can be a hindrance on the next try. In some cases, expertise can kill innovation. But, of course, that isn't the full story. In many fields, what we must know in order to be competitive - both in terms of process and technology - is ever increasing. This suggests that expertise is a requirement for innovation. So which is it? Is expertise lethal to or a prerequisite for innovation? The answer is, "Both." The paradox is that you can't innovate in a culture where corporate experts are allowed to be dismissive of incipient ideas, but in most fields you are unlikely to innovate without considerable expertise.
展开▼
