Contemporary economic thought is flawed, assuming that efficient allocation of traditional economic inputs (land, labor, capital, and knowledge) drives productivity and profit.

In reality, it is the core values of a society, as well as the complexity of human networks and social behaviors, that allow innovation systems to thrive. We call these systems Rainforests, and the secrets lie not in the ingredients used, but rather in the recipe itself.

A Wyss Institute team has developed a method to print 3-D tissue constructs that weaves multiple cell types within supporting extracellular matrix, and builds in the vascular network.

Browsing through GE archives and walking through its labs can feel a bit like an episode of Dr. Who. Starting a century ago, the company's engineers anticipated, invented and built many of the devices we rely on every day and consider common, and which may define the future. From locomotives and medical scanners to wind turbines and jet engines, they arc over the past decades and streak into the coming years.

by Petti Fong

It's a standard request at barbershops across the land for  little boys: a buzz cut, close and clean. The clippers fly and hair is trimmed close enough to the head that it stands up straight. But in what seems like no time at all, the hair is sprouting out again and a curl begins to form.

I recently participated in a webchat hosted by The Energy Collective about the emissions and market impact of the Keystone XL Pipeline (KXL). It was prompted by last week’s release of the State Department’s “Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement” (SEIS) on the project.

[Editor's Note:  Ideas Lab Contributor Henry Doss conducted the following interview with internationally recognized innovation consultant Alistair Brett as a part of our special series on Innovation.]