About This Book
Invention and Innovation (2023) examines the complex history of human invention, offering a sober analysis that distinguishes between genuine innovation and overhyped promises. It explores various categories of inventions – those that failed to dominate as promised, those that turned disastrous, and those long-promised but not yet realized – along with a pragmatic wish list of inventions urgently needed to address 21st century challenges.
Who Should Read This?
- Cautious technology investors seeking realistic market assessments
- Curious historians studying technological development patterns
- Anyone interested in technology’s past and future
About the Author
Vaclav Smil, Distinguished Professor Emeritus at the University of Manitoba, is a renowned interdisciplinary researcher specializing in energy, environmental science, and technological change. He is widely respected for his data-driven approach to complex global challenges, and Bill Gates has repeatedly praised his work. Among his best-selling books are Energy and Civilization: A History, Numbers Don’t Lie, and How the World Really Works.
