3 Who are the innovators?

Probably because of the way in which the history of innovation is reported in the media, newspapers, books and elsewhere, misconceptions have emerged about innovation and the innovation process. One of the most common image/stereotype is of the lone ‘boffin’ inventor working tirelessly day and night in his workshop (or garage or shed) to realise a long dreamt of idea that will result in an invention of ground-breaking significance. This may be an idealised exaggeration, of course, but something similar has become a powerful image that is often associated with innovation. How often have we heard the stories of Bill Gates (www.microsoft.com), James Dyson (www.dyson.co.uk) or Steve Jobs (www.apple.com)?