I have thought of myself as a scientist for quite some time now, without dwelling too much on what that really meant. But yesterday I attended the inauguration of my friend's company. It was a small function but significant milestone for my friend, herself a scientist who has now turned entrepreneur.
The Chief Guest spoke about the definition of invention and innovation and quoted the famous economist Schumpeter who has elaborated on the topic of innovation and entrepreneurship. While invention is the domain of the scientist who is always on the lookout for something new, innovation is the act of making a product that can actually be used by society. Innovation leads to entrepreneurship. Scientists may or may not be entrepreneurs but major progress in many fields comes about as a result of a combination of talents, from those who are scientists and others with the entrepreneurial spirit. Occasionally, a scientist is able to himself make the transition from invention to innovation. We were celebrating the fruition of one such transformation yesterday.
Long live scientists and entrepreneurs. May their tribe increase.
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