4 ms·
I think the market prerequisites are a key point overlooked by the article. There has to be some application where a low-performing version of the invention is
by obastani 7y ago
I think the market prerequisites are a key point overlooked by the article. There has to be some application where a low-performing version of the invention is already useful for it to be worth it to develop better-performing ones. For example, in the case of Watt's steam engine, versions were already used for the application of pumping water out of mines [1]. This application made it economically worthwhile for Watt to work on his improved steam engine. Of course, once the improved version was available, it found many new applications beyond the original one.
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watt_steam_engine https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watt_steam_engine
- hammock 7y agoThe usefulness of a skunkworks-type operation is that you can fund R&D that has no market need, thus unnaturally accelerating the progress of technological innovation.
- kiba 7y agoSkunkworks usually have a customer, which may be the government or the company in question to fulfill their strategic needs. SR-71 Blackbird and F-117 Stealth bomber come to mind.
- hammock 7y agoOf course they have a customer in the sense that someone is funding them and owns the product, however I would propose that there is not necessarily an immediate "need" or requirements given, and there is a high tolerance for undirected or self-directed research.
- eru 7y agoThe atmospheric steam engines were competitive with Watt's type for a long time. The fees charged for Watt's patent were part of the reason, but not the only one.