Econovation: The Red, White, and Blue Pill for Arousing Innovation Hardcover - 2011 - 1st Edition

From the rear cover

Praise for Econovation

"What do China, RFID food, żżlibertines, and micropreneurs have in common? It's all in Econovation, a fast, fun innovation ride packed with practical advice for those who will make a difference in the next decade. Made so many notes, my pen ran out." --Brandon Rowberry, Vice President, Innovation Development, UnitedHealth Group

"Econovation is that rare gem, an analysis and prescription for our economic problems done with both insight and humor! A must-read for both policymakers and executives." --Sheldon Laube, former Chief Innovation Officer, PricewaterhouseCoopers

"Econovation is a brilliant read and right on the money. Steve's strategic vision is absolutely cutting-edge . . . I'm going to assign it for my executive entrepreneurship class." --Prof. Alex "Sandy" Pentland, founder and Director, Media Lab Entrepreneurship Program, MIT

"In the past, many looked to the government to help spur innovation. But as Steve Faktor so eloquently points out, the winners in the long run will be those who innovate in spite of the government. This fun and easy read provides brilliant insights on how to keep your organization from becoming irrelevant." --Stephen Shapiro, author of Best Practices Are Stupid

From the jacket flap

Over the last twenty years, China fed our zombie-like appetite for iPhones, Prada, and Snuggies. At the same time, its biggest customer, the United States, found itself in debt, undereducated, and covered with recreational tattoos. So now what? Will America wallow in mediocrity like Greece or some C-list celebrity? Or, will our legendary ingenuity save us from Tweeting . . . and eating our way to irrelevance? Econovation is a bold, witty response to those questions that doesn't rely on miracles or government for answers. It challenges business leaders to think differently about the next decade of the U.S. economy and respond with big, sustainable innovations. Econovation is a trends book on steroids--bursting with practical, thought-provoking ideas no executive, entrepreneur, or Fed Chairman can afford to miss.

Most importantly, Econovation envisions a very different future. It's one ruled by "producerism," not consumerism. It's a future in which real innovators must do more than slide a greasy finger over the screen of an iPad. Econovation uncovers opportunities in unexpected places. You'll learn how to:

• Capitalize on a market that will go from making nothing to making everything . . . for China

• Use psychological pricing and some crafty tricks from Google to reduce reliance on tapped-out consumers

• Sell to consumers whose new identities will be based on what they create, not what they buy, click or super-size

• Seduce a desperate government to finance your business, then feed you pancakes in the morning

• Motivate tomorrow's employees with social currency instead of the green, depreciating kind

• Upgrade your business and your kids with a little help from Mormons and kindergartners with hacksaws

Econovation is a fresh perspective on a future we've taken for granted. It empowers readers to think big, dream big, and conquer economic conditions that will paralyze others. With a hefty dose of data, humor, and actionable ideas, Econovation offers insight and amusement in one convenient place--a rare treat for a business book.