Innovation

Sustainability of Innovation is a goal for many - scientists, capitalists and politicians alike - as it is the fuel that drives the engine of progress, providing improvements in people’s lives and creating jobs. It is certainly something that is in high demand and not easy to do well! If we look at successful innovation as the combination of inventions and needs, then there are three major ingredients necessary for innovation to occur: great ideas/inventions, knowledgeable people to evaluate and build on the ideas, and funding to do the work to deliver them! As ACS president I would actively support a role for the ACS in all three of these areas:

Idea generation: the ACS, as the largest scientific society in the world, must continue to provide forums to bring together people with a broad range of fields and backgrounds to discuss and debate inventions and needs - especially in ‘green spaces’ where market demands such as potable water and energy continue to cry out for solutions! As ACS president, I would strongly support diverse forums for discussion and collaboration – via formal conferences and meetings, as well as more informal round-table discussions, in person and on-line.

Education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) is absolutely critical, as everyone from our scientists to those in commercial/government roles and the general public need to have appropriate backgrounds to understand the various interfaces of inventions. My further thoughts on education are under the Education tab of this blog (J. Chem. Ed. article).

The best ideas in the world will go nowhere without funding. As ACS president I would advocate for continued work with legislators, providing position papers and experts to ensure funding is focused and supported. I strongly believe a balance of fundamental as well as applied chemistry/science research is essential – the inventions of tomorrow need basic understanding today!

Partnerships will play a huge role in moving innovation forward – both from an idea generation as well as funding viewpoint - more on that in the Partnership tab / tags of this blog.