Invention and Innovation: A Brief History of Hype and Failure (2023)

Invention and Innovation by Vaclav Smil offers a thought-provoking exploration of the history of human invention, debunking the hype that often surrounds new technologies. Smil distinguishes between invention and innovation, emphasizing that many promising breakthroughs fail to materialize as expected or even lead to negative consequences. Through examples such as nuclear fission, supersonic flight, and DDT, he illustrates how some technologies never reach their anticipated potential, while others result in unforeseen harm. Ultimately, Smil presents a “wish list” of inventions that humanity urgently needs to address the pressing challenges of the 21st century, urging a more realistic approach to innovation.