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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

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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.