Discussion Question:
What is the relationship between national culture and innovation? Do countries have the same opportunities to generate innovations? Answer from one of the following perspectives:
A) Consider the story of Robert Noyce and Silicon Valley in the American Experience episode. He is considered the originator of the Silicon Valley ethos and therefore much of the modern American entrepreneurial and innovation culture, and this may not have occurred if not for the "miraculous" happenstance that Noyce had access to transistor technology when he did, and where he was in school. What is the likelihood that this would happen to other countries' "Robert Noyces"? And would these "Noyces" be able to eventually create his/her own country's Silicon Valley? For example, would this happen in China, given what Kao posits, and what Abrami and her co-authors argue? How about India? Russia? Malaysia? Discuss using more than just personal opinion. Pick one country and state your position using credible research citations.
B) Discuss reverse engineering, as discussed by Winter and Govindarajan, in relation to disruptive innovation theory. Explain, using at least three citations, why western corporations should pursue the strategy of reverse engineering for developing markets to avoid being disrupted.
Post a substantive response to the question (minimum 250-300 words).
Reply in a scholarly and substantive manner to at least two of your classmates
Article - Tapping the World's Innovation Hot Spots BY JOHN KAO