Done Quote by Vaclav Smil
“Most innovation is not done by research institutes and national laboratories. It comes from manufacturing - from companies that want to extend their product reach, improve their costs, increase their returns. What's very important is in-house research.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview on Innovation, 2018
Innovation primarily stems from manufacturers seeking product expansion, cost reduction, and higher returns, not from research institutes.
In simple terms: Innovation comes from companies, not labs.
Key Takeaway
Focus on in‑house research for competitive edge.
Themes
innovation
manufacturing
product development
cost efficiency
Mood
pragmatic
analytical
Type
business
strategic
When to use this quote
- product design
- cost reduction initiatives
- R&D budgeting
- strategic planning
Key Concepts
R&D strategy
market incentives
industrial economics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can firms balance in‑house R&D with external collaborations?
- What incentives drive manufacturing innovation?
A Different Perspective
May overlook breakthroughs from academic or public labs.
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