Innovation Quote by Eric von Hippel
““Sticky Information and the Locus of Problem Solving: Implications for Innovation." Management””
About This Quote
Source Article: “Sticky Information and the Locus of Problem Solving: Implications for Innovation,” Management Science, 1994
Innovation thrives when problem solvers are close to the knowledge needed, reducing hidden costs and delays.
In simple terms: Being near the problem helps create better solutions.
Key Takeaway
Keep decision‑makers close to the information.
Themes
innovation
knowledge management
problem solving
Mood
analytical
reflective
Type
theoretical
practical
When to use this quote
- product development
- R&D teams
- startup pivots
Key Concepts
sticky information
information asymmetry
organizational learning
Questions to Reflect On
- How can firms structure teams to keep critical knowledge local?
- What tools help capture sticky information?
A Different Perspective
If information is too dispersed, solutions may still be delayed.
![“Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. Before then [these?], any man might instantly use what another had invented; so that the inventor had no special advantage from his own invention. The patent system changed this…” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/449/abraham-lincoln-88_adoption_next-came-the-patent-laws-these-began-in_1828.jpg)
