Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?

Author Steven Johnson: Collaboration breeds innovation

Steven Johnson
Author Steven Johnson speaks at the keynote conversation with MPR host Tom Weber at the bushCON event on May 12, 2014, in Minneapolis.
Photo courtesy Bush Foundation and Rebecca Jean Lawrence Photography

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Does innovation occur because one lone genius has an "ahah moment"? Or because somebody has a hunch and is dogged in pursuing it?

Steven Johnson is the author of "Where Good Ideas Come From" and "How We Got to Now." He says throughout history, most big ideas are not the result of a lone genius working in the garage, but that big ideas have come about through collaboration and the ability to see beyond your "blind spots."

In his book, "How We Got to Now," Johnson explores six innovations: clean, time, glass, light, cold and sound.

Steven Johnson was the featured speaker in the "Revolutionaries" series at the Computer History Museum in California. He was interviewed by the Museum's CEO, John Hollar.