Invention and Innovation

Great engineering systems, processes, and products are usually based largely on the exercise of inventive thinking and not on routine procedures for engineering analysis and optimization. Research could conservatively aim at making marginal improvements to the state-of-the-art in the chosen domain, or it may be based on original and novel ideas and potentially lead to breakthrough impacts, discovery of new frontiers, or creation of truly disruptive technologies. Creative engineers and researchers use inventive, non-routine approaches and, in most instances, their creations clearly stand out. Inventive thinking and problem solving enrich professional life and bring prosperity to organizations and society. Creativity in technology, i.e., the ability to invent, can be acquired and enhanced.