INNOVATION
Letter from the Editor:
Welcome to the inaugural edition of the IIC Journal of Innovation. We have chosen the theme of
Innovation for the Industrial Internet Consortium’s (IIC) Journal since it is an essential element of
the Consortium’s mission. Innovation has a specific economic definition. R. Mueser (1985)
defined innovation as: “A new idea, a discontinuous technical event that after a period of time is
developed to the point where it is practical and successfully used.” Innovation is solving problems
and increasing productivity.
Innovation is a disruptive event that results in a better performing product, process or service. As
the innovation evolves from use by just a few to general use, a great deal of education, training
and change must occur in organizations. People are forced to give up their old methods, which
they understand and are comfortable with, and must learn and accept the new methods.
Innovation is a difficult task since it requires overcoming both technical and organizational
obstacles but it is necessary for a thriving economy and long term improvement in our quality of
life.
It might seem counter to common thought, but are we innovating fast enough at this time? Yes,
we have creative entertainment ideas with much of the Internet traffic used for Netflix streaming
movies and Facebook friend updates. Real innovation results in higher productivity. US Bureau of
Labor statistics show that, in the U.S. manufacturing sector, the recent rate of productivity
increase is slowing and in the last seven years, (2007-2014), productivity has increased at
approximately half the rate of change from 1990 to 2007.
This slowing of productivity will affect wage growth, employment and overall quality of life.
The challenge is placed on the Industrial Internet Consortium to innovate using the digitization of
everything. Innovative products and processes will grow from the opportunities to measure,
monitor, analyze and collaborate in ways never before conceived. Working together, we will
succeed in putting Industrial Internet of Things technology into practical and successful use.
The hope for this Journal is that it be a place for thoughtful discussion of new innovative ideas
and that it will support the valuable work of the Consortium members to increase the rate of
innovation for a more productive and better world.
Brian J. Westcott, Ph.D.
Editor, IIC Journal of Innovation
President and CEO, Intelligent Structures, Inc.
We welcome your thoughts on this IIC Journal of Innovation at [email protected].
IIC Journal of Innovation
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