Diamond Author
Many cannot understand why the greatest nation in the history of mankind, the United States of America is falling behind in its ability to innovate. Some say it's because we have fewer students studying math and science, and fewer going into the workforce with engineering degrees. Although this is part of the reason, there is a lot more to the story. Not long ago I was having a conversation with an acquaintance about this very topic.
He had come up with a new invention, a device which could potentially generate clean energy, and solve some of the challenges we face ahead. We discussed the problems with China and the United States, including the challenges for raw materials, and the ability to manufacture high-tech innovative products in the United States at the same cost structure as China - nearly impossible due to the labor rates, and less regulation in China.
He further indicated that we were developing a "them versus us" scenario when it came to free trade, economic power, and the ability to innovate. Indeed, having a little competition is good for everyone, and I certainly for one do not mind a little competition. However, it's a lot like Steve Jobs said; "Apple doesn't mind competing, but we don't want to compete with companies that are stealing our technology."
In considering both sides of this argument I told my acquaintance, regarding the "them versus us" challenges; "Yes, but one of the problems is that "them" are stealing our technology as fast as we create it, then capitalizing on making it, and selling it back to us and our future markets before we can get out of the gate (often due to our own over-regulation) on business building."
So, until we address this, "Them" will take your invention, copy it, mass produce it, and compete with you selling your idea to the masses, even around the world leaving you and your investors holding the bag. So, one could ask the investors of US innovation, if they care to play in that game?
Apple pre-sales their products, before they can be stolen, but in two-months there will be clones all over the world. Their strategy is winning, but they put a hell of a lot into the marketing, branding, and PR to do it. Few companies have that level of power behind them.
So, that gets me back to my original question; "why innovate if the game is rigged?" Until we solve the piracy, copyright, and flagrant stealing of patents, we are essentially going to limit ourselves in the market place and become the "no-charge" R&D department for China, and that really doesn't do the United States much good. These are things we need to think about and get serious on - please consider all this.
About this Author
Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank. Lance Winslow believes in getting competitive rates when hiring contractors; http://www.yakimabuilders.com.
Note: All of Lance Winslow's articles are written by him, not by Automated Software, any Computer Program, or Artificially Intelligent Software. None of his articles are outsourced, PLR Content or written by ghost writers.
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