Top 30 Innovations Over the Past 30 Years

The word “change” may never be the same.  For some, it’s change from the previous political administration.  For others, it’s global change and a new approach to each problem we encounter as a world.  But looking back over the last few decades, what would be the most significant innovations that changed how we live?

PBS’ Nightly Business Report celebrated its 30th year on the air with a special on the top 30 innovations in the past 30 years.  NBR solicited nominations from the public, and a panel of professors from Wharton sorted and awarded the top innovations.

From medication and technology marvels to those basic staples like LEDs found in every device, the list is not very surprising.

1. Internet and the Web
2. PC/laptop computers
3. Cell phones
4. Email
5. DNA testing and sequencing/Human genome mapping
6. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
7. Microprocessors
8. Fiber optics
9. Office productivity software
10. Non-invasive laser/robotic surgery (laparoscopy)
11. Open source software and services (e.g., Linux, Wikipedia)
12. Light emitting diodes (LED)
13. Liquid crystal display (LCD)
14. GPS systems
15. Online shopping/ecommerce/auctions (e.g., eBay)
16. Media file compression (jpeg, mpeg, mp3)
17. Microfinance
18. Photovoltaic Solar Energy
19. Large scale wind turbines
20. Social networking via the Internet
21. Graphic user interface (GUI)
22. Digital photography/videography
23. RFID and applications (e.g., EZ Pass)
24. Genetically modified plants
25. Bio fuels
26. Bar codes and scanners
27. ATMs
28. Stents
29. SRAM flash memory
30. Anti retroviral treatment for AIDS

What’s missing from this list?  And should social networking (which affects people online and who have registered for services) really score higher than genetically modified plants (which fill the shelves of every grocery store)?

Poaching Innovators From Your Customer Base

Media and tech companies may not need to look much further than their own customers for adding value to their product lines. According to a recent article in the Financial Times, companies like the BBC and Last.fm, an online music service owned by CBS, have held events to gather independent developers for a day of invention and creation. People are encouraged to use the companies’ online services to develop a new program or feature. The best creations are awarded with a cash prize, and companies are able to quickly and cheaply get ahold of creative enhancements for their products.

From the article:

Organisations as diverse as the Guardian newspaper, WPP advertising agency, travel site Lastminute.com and O2, the mobile operator, have all hosted unconferences in recent months. These low-cost events are for enthusiasts as well as professionals, who are all required to present as well as listen. Developers compete for prizes, including the possibility of their product being commercialised, while the host organisations can tap into a new pool of talent.

Young and small, old and large; companies across industries are investigating this trend and how it can affect their business. From a talent acquisition perspective, companies have the opportunity to pull a developer aside and discuss a potential position within the company.

These conferences, or barcamps as they are sometimes referred, or barcamps as they are sometimes referenced, will continue to become more popular as technology becomes more social and companies realize constant innovation is imperative to their survival.