As a retired entrepreneur, which to me equates to; Problem Solver, I believe that innovation and sure footedness is one of the keys to success in business. In business you must roll with the punches and continue to be the best, beat the competition, stay efficient and provide the customer with their desires if you wish to receive that unit of trade that we in the United States call a Dollar.
I see many similarities to this in the academic and scientific community as research and development companies vie for funding which is often limited and focus on research and studies with potential; Killer Applications down the road, which will indeed solve a problem or serve a need. The greater the need or the bigger the problem solved; the potentially more money for funding, which can be accrued for the grants, venture capital or funding of the project, program or latest technology.
One way I believe we could accelerate and push science is to accelerate the number of abstracts, theories or premises that would lead one to agree to continue or start research. In other words rather than hoarding ideas let’s get the ideas out there for all to see. Perhaps abstracts with notes attached, maybe even hand written to be all cataloged digitally for others later.
The person borrowing the idea, would footnote the original abstract writer so they get some academic brownie points too. I believe this would propel science and collaboration and accelerate flow of thought in all scientific endeavors. This itself is a merely a thought or idea. Perhaps not perfect or without potential flaws you see. But it might be worthy to someone thinking on how best to propel science in the future in the United States. So, consider this in 2006.
"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/
