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Experimental and conceptual innovators
David Galenson, a University of Chicago economist, has identified two distinct
categories of innovators.
- Experimental innovators, or seekers, who tend to work gradually, often taking just one faltering step at a time. They tend to do their best work later in their careers.
- Conceptual innovators, or finders, who pursue innovations based on bold new ideas. They tend to do their best work when they are young.
Galenson uses a combination of statistics, biography and history to uncover those patterns among innovative painters, poets, novelists, sculptors, and film makers. Pablo Picasso, for example, was a young genius, a great conceptual innovator, while Paul Cézanne was an old master, a great experimental innovator. In poetry, the strengths of T.S. Eliot were conceptual, while those of Robert Frost were experimental. Among novelists, Herman Melville was conceptual; Mark Twain was experimental.
The same patterns are apparent among inventors, entrepreneurs, and scientists. Bill Gates, for example, was a youthful conceptual innovator when he founded Microsoft, while Sam Walton was a middle-aged experimental innovator when he founded Wal-Mart.
Because the patterns of innovation that Galenson discovered are widespread -- perhaps universal -- understanding them is valuable both for individuals making decisions about their careers and for business leaders seeking to make their companies more innovative.
Tips for experimental innovators
Tips for conceptual innovators
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