Why innovation is not enough
A recently published book analyses the relationships between technological innovation and human beings
Innovation above all – a dictate that all enterprises (and business people) now take for granted, entailing new technologies that guarantee development. New, increasingly effective, efficient fast, rational and successful technologies. These are assumptions that permeate most of the advice given nowadays to indicate the right path towards (corporate and social) well-being and success. Innovation, then, as a first-rate strategy. Certainly, a beneficial approach in many respects, yet one that too frequently neglects the role played by human beings as users of such new technologies. An analytical and predictive flaw that often leads to innovations failing, which means that putting people back at the centre may still prove to be the wisest, and most effective, strategy.
This could be the message – a message to be shared – found in Confidenze digitali. Vizi e virtù dell’innovazione tecnologica (Digital confidence. Vices and virtues of technological innovation), a book of about 150 pages written with some flare by Massimiano Bucchi, who draws on his experience as full professor in science and technology, as well as a public figure popularising scientific knowledge in Italy and abroad.
Bucchi starts from an observation: we often look at technology with myopic – if not squinty – eyes. We only focus on technological novelties and forget the other side of the question: human beings and how they use technology. From here, Bucchi begins a narrative journey that encompasses innovations that are already part of our daily life and work habits, and others that are still in embryo. The book comprises 24 short chapters, each dedicated to a topic related to technological innovation aimed at individuals, communities and enterprises. The author analyses the practices that several innovations brought about, before elucidating the strong bond that lies between technology, its uses and, above all, its users. But there’s more. By looking at past, present and future technology, Bucchi also highlights the relations between innovation and human beings, revealing fragmentary and biased visions, adjustments and erroneous uses that illustrate the reason why not all innovations end up being successful.
Massimiano Bucchi’s work is definitely a must-read, and should perhaps be kept on the desks of all those dealing with innovation as a handy guide.
Confidenze digitali. Vizi e virtù dell’innovazione tecnologica (Digital confidence. Vices and virtues of technological innovation)
Massimiano Bucchi
Il Mulino, 2023
A recently published book analyses the relationships between technological innovation and human beings
Innovation above all – a dictate that all enterprises (and business people) now take for granted, entailing new technologies that guarantee development. New, increasingly effective, efficient fast, rational and successful technologies. These are assumptions that permeate most of the advice given nowadays to indicate the right path towards (corporate and social) well-being and success. Innovation, then, as a first-rate strategy. Certainly, a beneficial approach in many respects, yet one that too frequently neglects the role played by human beings as users of such new technologies. An analytical and predictive flaw that often leads to innovations failing, which means that putting people back at the centre may still prove to be the wisest, and most effective, strategy.
This could be the message – a message to be shared – found in Confidenze digitali. Vizi e virtù dell’innovazione tecnologica (Digital confidence. Vices and virtues of technological innovation), a book of about 150 pages written with some flare by Massimiano Bucchi, who draws on his experience as full professor in science and technology, as well as a public figure popularising scientific knowledge in Italy and abroad.
Bucchi starts from an observation: we often look at technology with myopic – if not squinty – eyes. We only focus on technological novelties and forget the other side of the question: human beings and how they use technology. From here, Bucchi begins a narrative journey that encompasses innovations that are already part of our daily life and work habits, and others that are still in embryo. The book comprises 24 short chapters, each dedicated to a topic related to technological innovation aimed at individuals, communities and enterprises. The author analyses the practices that several innovations brought about, before elucidating the strong bond that lies between technology, its uses and, above all, its users. But there’s more. By looking at past, present and future technology, Bucchi also highlights the relations between innovation and human beings, revealing fragmentary and biased visions, adjustments and erroneous uses that illustrate the reason why not all innovations end up being successful.
Massimiano Bucchi’s work is definitely a must-read, and should perhaps be kept on the desks of all those dealing with innovation as a handy guide.
Confidenze digitali. Vizi e virtù dell’innovazione tecnologica (Digital confidence. Vices and virtues of technological innovation)
Massimiano Bucchi
Il Mulino, 2023