Disruptive By Design: Creativity Drives Innovation
Technologists are accustomed to following strict universal rules: laws of physics, thermodynamics, mathematics and nature. Scientific discovery is often built upon precedent set by historical research. Many technologies can be traced through a family tree of technology dating back to breakthroughs from the likes of Einstein, Edison and Hawking. The technology sector, academia and the federal government work in a complex and sometimes chaotic system of technology transfer from scientist to customer. So, what actually drives this system?
The first factor for solving a large problem is someone who thinks differently. The process of applying scientific breakthroughs to prominent world challenges is one way to interpret the commonly used buzzword “innovation.” It’s important to understand that disruptive technology is not spawned from one source alone. Often, the fundamental science backing an innovative solution has been around for many years. The catalyst of innovation tends to be the application of one or more technologies in a unique way rather than the synthesis of a new technology. Although some innovation is driven through large-scale technical breakthroughs, such as the discovery of electricity, many times it’s the timing, people and execution of combined technologies that disrupt an industry and, eventually, our daily lives.
The federal government, especially the Department of Defense, is organized and operated in a structured manner driven by well-defined processes. This is essential for accomplishing large-scale operations, mitigating risk and maintaining accountability. Government culture is known for being somewhat rigid—and for good reason. Despite this, the Department of Defense has a long history of driving technical breakthroughs. From the invention of the internet to GPS, the Department’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA, has changed the way we live our daily lives. However, innovation requires inherent risk. Not every idea will succeed, and some failures could be costly—but they’re necessary.
Structure and creativity don’t naturally mix well. The government continues to work hard to bring innovation into the defense sector through actions like funding strategic startups or pulling in emerging technologies through organizations such as the Defense Innovation Unit and the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Agency. It’s important to allow space for free thinking and expression within the highly driven environments of government and sometimes industry and academia. Even the best engineers can be consumed by the status quo when embroiled in their day-to-day tasks. Encouraging free thinking and exploring individuality through things like connecting with nature or completing an art project might seem trivial or unproductive at face value. However, the long-term investment in activities that stimulate our naturally creative brains could have a major impact on the technological health of our nation.
Everyone is familiar with the term “mad scientist,” and many have historically dubbed these individuals as outcasts. It’s not until a groundbreaking solution is realized that they’re coined “pioneers.” Innovation is not exclusive to the top minds of a given subject area. Sometimes, all it takes is an individual who can connect the dots available to them for a solution to be synthesized. There are surely countless ideas from competent scientists and engineers that have been brushed under the rug due to organizational stifling. It’s important to remember the role of creativity in technology, even in the face of ever-shortening deadlines and tightening budgets. The next time someone has a new idea that sounds infeasible, it might be worth taking some time to explore.
Eddie Quinn is a staff scientist at the Department of Defense, where he leads multiple teams of technical experts who solve complex problems with cutting-edge research.
The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of organizations they are affiliated with or AFCEA International.
