Encouraging Innovations in Research and Practice: The Labor Process and Innovation

Abstract

Advanced capitalist societies face a huge challenge. In order to maintain their standard of living they must find ways to increase productivity or reduce costs, in a manner that does not undermine living standards. The best way to increase productivity and thus the potential increase in wealth is via a process of continuous innovation.

This essay suggests that the most efficient way to continually innovate is to involve labor – that is those involved in the production and distribution of goods (both intellectual or physical) as well as those who service the society. This essay details the necessary conditions to maintain a system of continuous innovation. Many of the ideas require additional research, including case studies of specific innovative enterprises, detailed investigation of the education needed to sustain innovation and the effect of capital mobility on innovation.