Invention and innovation
In most cases, people use the words invention and innovation interchangeably. However, there are some differences even if it is subtle. On this note, invention means that a new product or service has been introduced based on new science or technology (Branscomb & Auerswald, 2002). Sometimes the invented products and services are protected by patents and copyrights. Innovation means that a new technology or science has been successfully introduced into a particular market (Branscomb & Auerswald, 2002). That is, innovations are new and they are critical to foster long-term growth in that market. In some cases, inventions can lead to innovations that can help to change the behaviors of the users and businesses. In comparison, innovations are more difficult than inventions and they usually occur through a combination of inventions.
On the one hand, smartphones are examples on science and technological inventions. These are new products that emerged in mobile phone industry and they continue to represent a fastest growing market segment (Cecere, Corrocher, & Battaglia, 2015). For instance, in 2013, the sales of these devices exceeded sales for basic handsets. In this case, the introduction of the Blackberry device towards the end of 2006 marked the beginning of the success of the smartphone industry. It was a new product, but it was commercially successful that it inspired other companies to develop devices with improved features (Cecere, Corrocher, & Battaglia, 2015). In 2007, Apple introduced the first model of iPhone and the following year, Samsung released the Samsung Instinct, a device that enabled it to compete directly with Apple. Therefore, although devices offering telephony and computing features were developed in the 1970s, the introduction of smartphones emerged as a new invention (Cecere, Corrocher, & Battaglia, 2015). Since then, the mobile phone industry has continued to witness different types of smartphones with new technical changes and designs.
On the other hand, the internet represents an example of science and technology innovation. The internet was developed based on research and efforts to facilitate the interconnectedness of computer networks. It also involved collaboration of researchers especially considering that computer science was beginning to have a profound effect on businesses (Amour, 2012). Since its development, the internet remains one of the greatest innovations that continue to influence the lives of individuals, communities, and businesses. For instance, it continues to provide platforms necessary for social and professional networks. It is bringing an unprecedented growth and it is empowering people in a way that was not previously imagined (Amour, 2012). More so, as a major innovation in technology, the internet is enhancing openness, accountability, and participation in governance and businesses. Possibly, this is the major reason why the internet has been considered as a great innovation that has facilitated and supported the emergence of new technologies (Amour, 2012). It has enabled information sharing and knowledge across the globe. This is to that the internet was a bigger innovation that continues to spawn other innovations. For example, through the internet, information and data can now be accessed by anyone who can access online connections such as Wikipedia and Facebook (Amour, 2012). It has also provided opportunities to develop mechanisms such as crowd-sourcing that allows a group of individuals to share information and research. More importantly, this innovation has helped to remove physical barriers between networks and establishing protocols that would help to share information in a computing environment (Amour, 2012). It has continued to evolve to embrace other technological innovation necessary to enhance communication, growth, and competitiveness in businesses. In other words, the internet is an innovation that has significantly changed how people do things and share information.
References
Amour, L. S. (2012). The Internet: An Unprecedented and Unparalleled Platform for Innovation and Change. The global Innovation index, 10, 157-162.
Branscomb, L., & Auerswald, P. E. (2002). Between invention and innovation an analysis of funding for early-stage technology development. Nist Gcr, 02-841.
Cecere, G., Corrocher, N., & Battaglia, R. D. (2015). Innovation and competition in the smartphone industry: Is there a dominant design? Telecommunications Policy, 39(3-4), 162-175.