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Innovation

2026

A vibrant, intricate network of gears and planned pathways representing research investment and infrastructure, contrasted with a single, brightly illuminated, unpredictable lightning bolt striking in an unexpected direction, symbolizing an original scientific breakthrough that cannot be scheduled or pre-planned. The background subtly suggests a vast, yet partially obscured, landscape of long-term exploration.

Scientific Research: Investment Can Be Planned, But Breakthroughs Cannot Be Scheduled — A Discussion Inspired by Two Fields Medals

30 August 2026·4029 words·9 mins

A vibrant, metaphorical image depicting a winding path emerging from a stark landscape with subtle "cliffs" or boundaries. Ahead, the path branches into numerous glowing, ethereal possibilities that stretch into an infinite, star-dusted cosmic expanse. The foreground shows nascent, intricate structures 'growing' from the path, symbolizing the generation of new possibilities and increasing complexity within the universe.

Exploration and Generation: A Meaning of Life

10 August 2026·2833 words·14 mins

A visual metaphor depicting two winding paths: an old, overgrown, and partially crumbling dirt road representing 'path dependence' alongside a newly paved, illuminated, and actively used road representing 'path creation,' with a clear divergence where new traffic flows to the new path, signifying strategic change and bypassing old obstacles.

Path Creation: The Sole Viable Method for Overcoming Path Dependence

25 July 2026·4040 words·9 mins

A vibrant, abstract illustration visually representing the concept of 'self-organized criticality.' The image could feature a dynamic equilibrium, perhaps a delicate and intricate network or a cityscape at dusk, where elements appear both stable and on the verge of spontaneous rearrangement. Swirling patterns or energy flows suggest constant, adaptive motion, balancing structured order with the vibrant potential for change and innovation, akin to a sandpile on the brink of an avalanche, conveying a state of optimal dynamism and alertness.

Self-Organized Criticality: Just the Right Amount of Vibrancy

21 July 2026·3391 words·7 mins

An abstract, metaphorical image depicting a series of interconnected doors or expanding pathways, some leading to new, previously unseen rooms filled with light, symbolizing the progressive realization of "the adjacent possible" and the emergence of new opportunities from existing ones.

The Adjacent Possible: How to Achieve Things Unimaginable in Advance?

17 July 2026·3893 words·8 mins

An abstract, metaphorical map illustrating strategic decision-making. The map features a winding, unique path leading to a distinct peak on the left, symbolizing core, unique competencies requiring dedicated focus. To the right, a wide, standardized highway represents commodity tasks that are best outsourced or automated, emphasizing the concept of evolution from unique to commodity.

Wardley Maps: Do What Only You Can Do, Outsource the Rest

28 May 2026·2883 words·6 mins

A conceptual illustration of a person in a mist of uncertainty assembling scattered components in their hands (representing Bird-in-Hand), collaborating with partners to stitch a patchwork quilt towards a glowing horizon (Crazy Quilt and Lemonade), guided by control dials (Pilot-in-the-Plane).

Effectuation: What to Do When You Don't Know What to Do

27 May 2026·2764 words·13 mins