Episode Description

In our second episode, our Co-Founder Waheed Rahman (@iwaheedo) is joined by British historian and author Dr. Anton Howes (@antonhowes) where we uncover the roots of innovation in the modern world, including how to create innovation ecosystems with a focus on 16th-19th century Britain as a case study.

Dr.Anton is the Head of Innovation Research at The Entrepreneurs Network and released his latest book 'Arts and Minds: How the Royal Society of Arts Changed a Nation'. He's also a former Lecturer in Economic History at King's College London.

Here are the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players, you should be able to click the timestamp for the episode.

(00:00) - Introduction to Episode

(01:55) - First principles: Defining Innovation vs Invention

(07:08) - Industrial Revolution: Why this epoch of time is so crucial in innovation history?

(12:43) - Specific technologies - Idea of different Industrial Revolutions

(15:22) - Innovation in other regions

(16:47) - Key factors that led to an accelerated period of innovation and invention in 16th-century Britain

(22:41) - Scientific Revolution and effects of the Baconian Program on Early Britain during the 1500s and 1600s

(32:44) - Reasons and origins of why the idea of 'improvement mentality' came about

(41:33) - Is Necessity the mother of all inventions?

(48:20) - Effect of British Colonialism in accelerating innovation

(59:03) - Is there a decline in Innovation in Britain vs the American acceleration in 20th century?

(1:06:09) - Lessons for Emerging Markets when it comes to creating Innovation Ecosystems

(1:14:28) - Ending