Knowledge Production Modes between Science and Applications 1

1Invention: Creativity to Proof of Concept

1.1. Introduction: concepts and the innovation “valleys of death”

Many things have been written to try to explain how and why a scientific, technical, cultural, economic, etc., approach to creativity is useful and essential. To understand the interdependent processes involved, it is probably helpful to have a good grasp of how the most creative people work and think, and how their creative productivity can be fostered all the way to innovation. In this context, it is important to also understand how organizations support, integrate and exploit creative ideas. If it is credible to know the relationship between the market and creativity and how to adapt state and corporate policies to amplify this process, this part (Chapters 1 and 2 of Volume 1 and Chapter 1 of Volume 2) highlights a number of factors which, one after the other and together, have a negative impact on industrial development. They are called “valleys of death” and there are 12 in number. However, the first part (Chapters 1 and 2 of Volume 1 and Chapter 1 of Volume 2) also evokes the winning paths of crossing these trials, depending on the singular situations mentioned, if not in depth. In light of recent economic crises (pandemic linked to Covid-19; “war” between Russia and Ukraine), not very optimistic heavy trends (global warming, depletion of reserves, etc.), creativity, invention and innovation are the basis of a new ideology of industrialization and/or reindustrialization ...