Closing the Innovation Gap: Reigniting the Spark of Creativity in a Global Economy

Named one of the Best Books on Innovation, 2008 by BusinessWeek magazine

Does innovation come about by luck or hard work? Is it a flash of inspiration or the result of careful management? Are innovators born or taught? In Closing the Innovation Gap, Judith Estrin provides the answers to these and other questions critical to our future. A technology pioneer and business leader, Estrin describes what will be required to reignite the spark of innovation in business, education, and government--ensuring our long-term success in the global economy.

Innovation does not occur in a vacuum. It grows from the interplay of three drivers of creative change--research, development, and application. Estrin calls this dynamic the "Innovation Ecosystem," explaining how these communities work together to create sustainable innovation.

Closing the Innovation Gap covers:

• America''s role as the primary driver of global innovation after World War II--explaining what worked, the subsequent decline, and how to regain traction
• The fundamentals required to nurture innovation, including five simple but important values for transforming your organization into a force for productive change
• How you can ensure that your business benefits from a thriving "Innovation Ecosystem"
• Examples from both established companies, start-ups, and research labs that illustrate the power of innovation in providing a decisive business advantage and foundation for growth

Leaders in business and public service "must think beyond short-term financial results and understand the impact of globalization and an accelerated pace of change on future economic growth," says Estrin. With Closing the Innovation Gap as your guide, business leaders will gain key insights into identifying their needs, asking the right questions, testing new ideas, and successfully leading their organization to the frontiers of twenty-first-century innovation.

Required reading for whoever takes over the Oval Office in January.
-Therest Ploletti, MarketWatch

"Judy Estrin has zeroed in on the lack of long-term thinking in business and culture that is one of the gravest problems we face today. Her urgent call to action is a must-read for anyone interested in fostering and accelerating innovation in their business or organization."
-Bob Iger, CEO, The Walt Disney Company

Deeply thought-provoking. An extraordinary tapestry of commentary drawn from scores of interviews and woven into a coherent fabric about innovation and why it must be a part of America''s future.
-Vint Cerf, vice president and chief Internet evangelist, Google

Concerned about the future of America''s role in the global economy? Then, whether you''re a business leader, educator or policy maker, you should read this book. America achieved greatness through its ability to engineer, explore and innovate. Estrin provides a fresh perspective on the importance of innovation to our future, and shines a bright light on the problems we face in rebuilding its crumbling cultural and educational foundations.
Sally K. Ride, Ph.D., first American woman astronaut

Judy Estrin is one of Silicon Valley''s greatest entrepreneurs and technologists. If you care about the state of entrepreneurship and management in the 21st century, her book is a must-read.
-Roger McNamee, managing director, Elevation Partners

Judy Estrin is CEO of JLABS, LLC. She cofounded seven technology companies and was chief technology officer at Cisco Systems. Serving on the board of directors of The Walt Disney Corporation and FedEx Corporation, Estrin is also a member of the technology advisory boards of Stanford's School of Engineering and Bio-X campus-wide interdisciplinary initiative. She has been named three times to Fortune magazine's list of the 50 most powerful women in American business.