Successful innovations are built on what exists, not from the blue

Drone flying over field at sunset [Courtesy]

When we review innovations like Uber, Airbnb and Amazon (e-commerce), there is always the temptation to think that such enterprises represent completely new ways of doing business that was not possible in the pre-internet world.

The reality, though, is they ride on simple, non-technological concepts from an earlier era whose understanding may help unlock yet more innovation opportunities in today’s super-connected global economy.