TED Talk of the Week: Where Good Ideas Come From
Author Steven Johnson goes back in history, to explore the topic of innovation.
The classic image of a great idea being born goes something like this: A distinguished, older man, probably all alone and late at night, deep in thought in his study. The penny drops and - "Eureka!" - he's got it. According to science and technology writer Steven Johnson, that's not quite how it happens.
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In his research into which environments foster innovation and creativity, Johnson has found that the more social, the better. As he explains in this stimulating TED talk, it's all about networking. For example, among scientists, ideas are most likely to be born in the meeting room when people come together to discuss their findings - rather than when they're alone at the microscope. Just as neurons in the brain form pathways, so too do people tend to stitch existing pieces together to solve a problem and make something new.
This TED Talk of the Week serves as inspiration for organizations and initiatives of all shapes and sizes that aspire to bring about positive action in new and exciting ways. Drawing from these findings, Johnson advises organizations to encourage people to work together - joking that an innovative workplace should look more like a rowdy 16th century coffee shop than a modern office.
