Stepniowski Family

**Originally published on www.proqc.com (9/1/07)

The Myths of Innovation. Scott Berkun. California: O’Reilly Media, Inc., 2007. 176 pp.

O’Reilly Media, often associated with their “animal books” for software developers, is considered the definitive publisher of all things resourceful in the technology industry. However, in a refreshing change of pace, Berkun’s Myths of Innovation deviates from the typical IT resource format and serves up a light-hearted and witty perspective on the myths and processes of innovation.

Berkun, an author, consultant and software industry veteran, inspires and educates with historical accounts of innovation successes and failures. For example, to demonstrate the randomness of innovation, Berkun discusses how the microwave, Viagra, easy-open soda can, Band-Aids, Nylon and x-rays were all discovered by accident. Or, to demonstrate that all innovation is a collaborative process, Berkun asks readers to consider the nearly forty years of innovations in electronics, networking, and packet-switching software that contributed to Tim Berners-Lee’s ability to create the Internet.

History lessons aside, Myths debunks popular beliefs about innovation that have gained widespread acceptance. Deconstructing and analyzing ideas of the past and present, Berkun explores business, scientific and technological innovations in attempt to identify and learn from “truths.” In his own words, Berkun explains that “innovation is powered by the combination of intensity and willingness to reconsider assumptions, minimizing the chance of following dead ends and maximizing the potential for finding better paths.”

Myths of Innovation might not take long to read, but it is guaranteed to be an eye-opener for anyone that enjoys fresh perspective and intelligent prose.

For more information about Scott Berkun and Myths of Innovation, visit Scott’s website at www.scottberkun.com. In addition to an engaging blog, there are several informal essays available and forums for general discussion.

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