[qxf2]

Innovation is, and rightly should be, followed by a phase of enjoying its benefits. We are enjoying the fruits of the Internet. Its opened up more options and improved quality of life. My own life has changed drastically since I was introduced to computers twelve years ago. Today I work across continents - not a choice I had in the 90s. My mother can video chat with my nephew and niece everyday. My grandmother can see places across the world in vivid detail without leaving her chair. I can get away by being less knowledgeable. The much reviled 140 characters is a symptom of us enjoying the benefits.

What's the fascination with flying cars? Why is it a poster child of 'innovation'? Innovation is bursty, uncontrolled and usually cross disciplinary. Innovation just happens. For true innovation, pay attention to the Nobel prizes in science, to cutting edge research in science and not just industry. Its also weird to put up known checkpoints like 'flying-cars' to measure innovation.

Does anyone else find it strange that the title is 'idea machine' but content is tangible innovation that reaches the masses?

From the article: >>"Mr Jones says that, from 1985 to 1997 alone, the typical “age at first innovation” rose by about one year." Hmmm .... we are in 2013. Why curate and quote a period from 1985 to 1997??