In my mind his big innovation was agressively commercializing research. Basic research remains the almost sole domain of academia and government grants, but he

In my mind his big innovation was agressively commercializing research. Basic research remains the almost sole domain of academia and government grants, but he proved that it was possible to spin up a positive feedback loop by focusing on attainable tech over a short timeframe. Part of what made him so prolific was that he was first to market with the concept and was able to attract top talent for cheap wages relative to the money his employees made for him. Of course he was also an incredible asshole etc