Bridging the Innovation Gap

From stone tools to the digital age, technology has fueled human progress. Yet, countless breakthroughs never leave the laboratory. This book explains why this happens and offers a practical roadmap to bridge the gap between invention and commercial success. By combining engineering insight with economic principles, it enables scientists and technologists to understand markets, operations, and finance while maintaining technical rigor. Drawing lessons from history—from Edison’s genius as an inventor-entrepreneur to strategies inspired by merchants, chess, and even living fossils—the book demonstrates that "doing things right" is as important as "doing the right thing." Grounded in the Scandinavian model of innovation and packed with actionable guidance, this book sheds light on how to navigate commercialization pitfalls, protect intellectual property, and build scalable ventures. It will appeal to scholars, researchers, inventors, and R&D leaders interested in turning research into real-world impact and achieving their full potential.