Innovations That Last by Elian Wildgrove

Innovations That Last explores why some inventions endure and shape society while others fade away. The book examines lasting innovation through the lens of utility, adaptability, and scalability.

One intriguing fact is the printing press's sustained relevance, initially a revolution in information dissemination and now a foundation for digital media. Similarly, the electric motor's adaptability, powering everything from factories to personal devices, showcases how crucial evolution is for lasting impact.

The book adopts a historical analysis, diving into case studies like the internet, to illustrate these core concepts. It's structured to first introduce the framework of utility, adaptability, and scalability, then applies it to specific technologies, highlighting their evolutionary journeys. Finally, it synthesizes these studies to identify patterns that predict a technology's longevity.

This approach provides insights valuable for anyone interested in technology, history, and the social impact of inventions.