The light bulb was an invention with 1,000 steps
Be willing to think outside the box. Just because it's never been done here before doesn't mean it never can be done here. Maybe the right factors are coming together to make possible what was once impossible.
Grow more tolerant of what some call “failure.” Thomas Edison tried 1,000 times before he invented the light bulb. When asked how it felt to fail so much he quipped, “I didn't fail 1,000 times. The light bulb was an invention with 1,000 steps.” Give our entrepreneurs some breathing space when they launch startups and businesses.
Fund research. Resist the urge to cut back on research funding during tough financial times. One discovery may be all that it takes to pave the way for a cure, or provide a solution to a long-standing challenge, or turn someone's prototype into a manufacturing reality that offers good jobs and creates wealth.
Encourage problem solving in students and adults. The challenges are many, and we need to look for solutions that can be monetized to solve real-world problems in as many places as possible.
Understand what we're really good at and encourage growth in these areas. When TechConnect first released the West Virginia Blueprint for Technology Based Economic Development, it identified four targeted sectors where we have the best chance of growth and job creation: advanced energy, chemicals and advanced materials, biometrics and identity intelligence and biotechnology. Since that time, we've added advanced manufacturing because of its potential for job creation.
Seek new ideas from a wide range of sources. For several years, West Virginia has had a collegiate business plan competition which has generated many new and clever business ideas. Now we also have a high school business plan competition, an annual TransTech Energy Business Development Conference, the Shale Gas Innovation Contest, pitch opportunities at the annual Create West Virginia Conference, and entrepreneur cafés in several cities and towns. All of these innovation contests demonstrate that good ideas can be encouraged and launched right here at home.
Celebrate innovation success and encourage others who are working to start and grow businesses. TechConnect established the Spirit of Innovation Awards in 2013 to recognize our state's researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs who are opening doors to the future.