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When there seems to be little room for innovation it generally means we need to "refactor the tech tree", i.e. find a technology that qualitatively replaces the

When there seems to be little room for innovation it generally means we need to "refactor the tech tree", i.e. find a technology that qualitatively replaces the incumbent ones instead of making marginal improvements. The current narratives for autos is self driving cars and more walkable/bikable urban design. For laundry detergent there's probably textile innovation that makes them require less/no washing. Etc. What parts of the economy do you think can't innovate?

harimau777 7y ago
For sake of argument, I'd argue that most innovations in textiles since automated weaving have been steps backwards in the name of cost. The only fabrics that I can think of that are clear improvements over natural alternatives are ballistic nylon, kevlar, nomex, elastic, and maybe synthetic fleece (although I'd still argue that boiled wool is a superior alternative). I guess it just seems to me that a lot of the "innovation" is really just sacrificing quality in the name of price.
- ghaff 7y ago
  Natural fibers are great--including ones like Merino Wool that aren't modern innovations although a lot of the way it's used mostly is. But if I look through my outdoor gear and clothing, there have been huge strides in just the past few decades. Not all of the new stuff is great. And some definitely trades durability for light weight (or cost). But overall, what I can buy today is pretty great compared to what I had in Boy Scouts even if some of the older clothing fabrics (like boiled wool as you say) still work quite well.
- jnordwick 7y ago
  Finding the balance between quality and price is innovative. It is extremely difficult. But in the end it means more people across the globe get more and better quality clothes. You can always go pay for higher end clothing. Nothing stops you expect... price. Lol
  - harimau777 7y ago
    I definitely think that there's truth in that. Particularly, as you mention, for people who otherwise wouldn't have access to the product at all. I think my frustration is that I've found that the price to get clothing made out of higher end/traditional materials is often much dramatically higher than even the difference in material costs account for. For example, I would not only have to pay for the more expensive materials, I would also have to pay to get the clothing custom made. Even finding the materials can be difficult since textile manufacturers often call cheaper alternatives by the same name (e.g. "linen" that isn't made out of flax or "wool" that is really a wool blend).
- davidivadavid 7y ago
  Does that mean that current manufacturing processes for truly innovative textile are too costly? What explains that?
chiefalchemist 7y ago
This is my But how much of the economy can be truly competitive?

harimau777 7y ago

For sake of argument, I'd argue that most innovations in textiles since automated weaving have been steps backwards in the name of cost. The only fabrics that I can think of that are clear improvements over natural alternatives are ballistic nylon, kevlar, nomex, elastic, and maybe synthetic fleece (although I'd still argue that boiled wool is a superior alternative). I guess it just seems to me that a lot of the "innovation" is really just sacrificing quality in the name of price.

ghaff 7y ago
Natural fibers are great--including ones like Merino Wool that aren't modern innovations although a lot of the way it's used mostly is. But if I look through my outdoor gear and clothing, there have been huge strides in just the past few decades. Not all of the new stuff is great. And some definitely trades durability for light weight (or cost). But overall, what I can buy today is pretty great compared to what I had in Boy Scouts even if some of the older clothing fabrics (like boiled wool as you say) still work quite well.
jnordwick 7y ago
Finding the balance between quality and price is innovative. It is extremely difficult. But in the end it means more people across the globe get more and better quality clothes. You can always go pay for higher end clothing. Nothing stops you expect... price. Lol
- harimau777 7y ago
  I definitely think that there's truth in that. Particularly, as you mention, for people who otherwise wouldn't have access to the product at all. I think my frustration is that I've found that the price to get clothing made out of higher end/traditional materials is often much dramatically higher than even the difference in material costs account for. For example, I would not only have to pay for the more expensive materials, I would also have to pay to get the clothing custom made. Even finding the materials can be difficult since textile manufacturers often call cheaper alternatives by the same name (e.g. "linen" that isn't made out of flax or "wool" that is really a wool blend).
davidivadavid 7y ago
Does that mean that current manufacturing processes for truly innovative textile are too costly? What explains that?

chiefalchemist 7y ago

This is my But how much of the economy can be truly competitive?