Event Re-Cap: Steven Johnson On Where Good Ideas Come From

Katherine Hypolite
January 5, 2011

Cultivated through a diverse social network, breakthrough ideas can evolve into innovations that change our world. Author Steven Johnson, in his enlightened discussion at the Business Innovation Factory on December 14th, explored and challenged our notions surrounding innovation.

Often innovation is categorized as an epiphany moment— that stroke of fate when the light bulb goes off and new ideas are discovered. Suppose this was only part of the complex vortex where ideas are created—imagine a slower, networked and more collaborative process. That’s the focus of Johnson’s new book Where Good Ideas Come From. This historical journey through science, philosophy and the human cultural systems rejects a blueprint for innovation in favor of an evolving “pattern of innovation.” With refreshing simplicity and often paradigm shifting revelations, Johnson is able to adjust our prejudices towards innovation and tug them outside the box.

It’s inspiring to think a man watches an apple fall from a tree and—light bulb—gravity is discovered! It allows us to believe the next greatest solution to society’s problems is lurking behind the corner. Yet as Johnson demonstrates, many of histories most influential ideas arose instead from a “slow hunch.” John Snow, the renowned physician credited with discovering the connection between a contaminated water pump and the cholera outbreak in nineteenth century London, fell victim to this eureka moment thinking. His discovery stemmed from a slow hunch, a steady “incubation period with a hint of possibility.” In no way does it cheapen his discovery, Johnson claims, rather it makes it more interesting and prompts the question of how we can cultivate our own hunches.

So how can we capture new ideas and create collaborative environments that cultivate the hunches of today? A true believer in redefining innovation, Johnson challenges us to collectively work to answer this question. Here at BIF we take great pride in fostering environments where innovation can flourish by creating space for “interesting collisions” of individuals, thoughts and hunches. Our thanks go out to Steven Johnson for sharing his latest work and urging our network to continue to work actively to cultivate new hunches and ideas.

For those who weren’t able to attend, below you’ll find the video of Steven’s talk. And don’t miss our next book discussion on January 18th when Bill Taylor will be in the house talking about his book Practically Radical: Not-so-crazy Ways to Transform Your Company, Shake Up Your Industry and Challenge Yourself. Registration details for Bill's Event are here.

Watch Steven's book discussion here.