Innovations have multiple sources of inspiration and motivations other than sheer genius. The funds are the regular ones. Prized Bill & Melinda Foundation and Google competitions attracted scientists and college students to develop cheap but curative vaccines and faster lunar information transmission technology, respectively. Political supports are also important factors. The bike-friendly policies of the Government of Barcelona gave way to cycling practices in the city. Education, coupled with staggering poverty, also drives innovation. Bangalore, India, became the second Silicon Valley thanks to it. Social responsibility is catching up to be one of today’s forces of innovation like Texas Instrument or Intel’s digital villages in Amazon, Brazil. Mere personal interest is not negligible and so are joint ventures.
We have read, seen and heard of many joint ventures today that have produced innovative products and services. Microsoft and college students created Vista, Xbox, and tablets. Google and Samsung invented T-Mobile or the Google phone. CNN and ESPN not only delivered global sports news, but also sports entertainment. Time and various politicians, celebrities, writers and famous people gave passionate testimonials about the 100 influential people. Bill Clinton and George Bush raised funds exponentially for Katrina. Apple and Nike came up with a product that monitors your heart rate while jogging and listening to your iPod. Intel and Amazon universities provided affordable healthcare services in remote Amazonian villages.
Google and General Electric are now moving to develop a smarter electricity transmission network. General Electric and Mubadala gradually build Masdar, a carbon-free and energy-efficient green city. American International Group and Philippine American Life and General Insurance Co. offer a one-stop shop that has complete insurance and investment portfolios. Victoria’s Secret and Forest Ethics published ecological catalogues. Marriott Hotel and Conservation International protect the Amazon rainforest. TiVo and Amazon.com introduce “buy groceries” directly from TV shows like Oprah Winfrey’s talk show using the TV remote.