AAWSAP DIRD, Maverick Inventor Versus Corporate Inventor: Where Will the Next Major Innovations Arise, March 2010

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UNCLASSIFIED/I FOR 8FFI@IAL ~SE er•t'i'
These innovators have a high degree of motivation for near-term commercial projects
but less motivation for exotic long-term projects and typically have specific educational
qualifications in the relevant fields. They generally work on improvements to the
technological status quo (Reference 31). These improvements are expected to be
commercial products in the near-to-medium term, compared with the energy and
propulsion technology discussed here, which have a long time horizon.
What can be learned from the Type 5 inventor? He is significantly less interested than
the lone maverick inventor in pursuing exotic inventions. As part of a commercial
enterprise, a Type 5 inventor's motivation to investigate long-term possibilities with a
low likelihood of success is small. This is not to say that the individual inventor within
the group might not be the most suitable candidate for considering exotic inventions if
he can operate with considerable freedom and enjoy the support and intellectual milieu
of the small group.
Comparisons
Table 2 below compares the essential elements that characterize the types of inventors
discussed in the previous sections. The various attributes shown can be used as criteria
for determining the inventor type most likely to produce the necessary innovations in
the areas of advanced primary energy and exotic propulsion.
Table 2. Essential Elements That Characterize the Types of Inventor
I
Attribute I Type 1 (& 2)
Type 3 and 4
Type 5
Corporate
Aqe
Younqer
Older
Younqer
Various
Motivation
Hiqh
Hiqh
Medium
Various
Rea lism
Low
Medium
High
High
Bureaucracy
Low
Low
Medium
Hiqh
Capitalization
Low (&
Medium)
Low (&
Medium)
Medium
High
Education
Low
Hiqh
Mixed
Hiqh
Business
Sense
Low
Various
High
Medium
Measurement
Low
Medium
Medium - High
Hiqh
Lab Skills
Low
High
High
High
Externals
Low
Hiqh
Medium
Hiqh
Flexibility
Hiqh
Hiqh
Medium
Medium
Media Interest
Hioh
Low
Mixed
Low
For clarity and compactness, Types 1 and 2 and Types 3 and 4 are combined, since in
general the only meaningful difference is the capitalization. As discussed above,
unfortunately, merely having more funding does not lead to substantially greater
capabilities in other areas.
Motivation: degree of commitment to initiating and completing the task and belief that
it is possible a priori.
Realism: degree of realization of the difficulties to be faced.
UNCLASSIFIED/ /EAR OFFICI0L Wi& 9,.LY
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