article thumbnail

When Big Companies Support Start-ups, Both Make More Money

Harvard Business Review

Now imagine if eBay went beyond providing a technology platform and entered the field of business incubation in a meaningful way, It’s an idea that could have a huge impact. Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android have fueled a global bonanza in app development. Those making $25,000 a month could perhaps get to $100,000 a month.

article thumbnail

How the U.S. Can Rebuild Its Capacity to Innovate

Harvard Business Review

It’s a lesson for countries around the world: Once manufacturing bids farewell, engineering and production know-how depart as well, and innovation activities eventually follow. ” But it should be possible for the United States to reverse these developments. It’s that the U.S. based companies.

article thumbnail

The Core Incompetencies of the Corporation

Harvard Business Review

Imagine, if you will, a car engine so woefully inefficient that only 13% of the gas it consumes actually combusts. Most of the recommended remedies—idea wikis, business incubators, online collaboration, design thinking, “authentic” leadership, et al —are no more than minor tweaks. That’s the sort of waste we’re talking about.