The Evolution of Revolutions
How We Create, Shape, and React to Change
By Patrick J. Howie
(Prometheus Books, Hardcover, 9781616142353, 262pp.)
Publication Date: February 1, 2011
Categories: Marketing - General, Strategic Planning
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How can entrepreneurs predict what the next revolution will be? How does a new idea, product, or service spread throughout a social system to spark "the next big thing"? In this unique blend of historical analysis and how-to knowledge, a leading researcher and economist provides clear guidance on how to identify and foster innovations that will lead to revolutions. Based on analysis of more than two-dozen revolutions in business, sports, science, and politics, he offers a wide-ranging understanding of the revolutionary process. What separates a fad from a true revolution? The author’s illustrative case studies demonstrate that in order for an innovation to successfully create a revolution, it must pass through three stages: resistance, clarification, and elaboration. True revolutions result from a long evolutionary development process and an extensive adoption and expansion of the initial innovation. The author—who holds a patent for analyzing the effectiveness of marketing strategies—describes important methods that can be used to create innovations as well as recognize and capitalize on emerging revolutions. In the spirit of The Tipping Point, Howie contends that change and revolution occur constantly and affect even the smallest things. In any industry today, there are multiple revolutions occurring. By understanding the process of innovation and how innovations throughout history have sparked lasting revolution, readers will learn how to create revolutions of their own. This book offers a wealth of research and sound methodology for navigating today’s dynamic business environment, where change is the only constant.
Patrick J. Howie (Maple Glen, PA) has spent two decades studying the social process of innovation as an economist, head of product development for a venture capital-backed start-up, and as creator of the social prediction website ABetterGuess.com. His work has been cited and published in numerous publications including Forbes, Fortune, Business Week, and the Wall Street Journal. Patrick holds a patent for A Unique Method and System of Analyzing the Effectiveness of Marketing Strategies.
"Patrick Howie’s book artfully and engagingly tackles arguably the most important force underpinning our individual and collective wellbeing, namely the process of innovation. By weaving together an analysis of a wide range of innovations in the sciences, economics, and political history, he is able to provide key insights into how and why some innovations succeed and others do not. The story he tells is both educational and entertaining."
--Mark Zandi, Chief Economist of Moody’s Economy.com and author of Financial Shock:
A 360° Look at the Subprime Mortgage Implosion and How to Avoid the Next Financial Crisis
"A clear and compelling blueprint for those trying to create change, making it a must read for any entrepreneur."
--Chuck Newhall, Co-Founder, New Enterprise Associates, the world’s largest Venture Capital firm
"The Evolution of Revolutions is compelling and applicable to all disciplines, fields, businesses and innovations. A must read and an awakening in today’s changing and challenging environment."
--Dr. Phil Gerbino, President, University of the Sciences in Philadelphia
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