Working Up

by Dwayne Phillips

Here is a brief explanation of why innovation doesn’t work in government. Too bad as there are clever, innovative people in government.

I worked several decades inside the US Federal government. There are plenty of dedicated, smart people working inside government. They often have good ideas for things and gadgets the government and the taxpayer can use. It is unfortunate that these ideas don’t come to fruition.

Here is how it doesn’t work with your clever idea:

1. You are not the only clever person in the world
2. Other clever people (outside of government) probably have the same idea
3. #2 make that a hundred other people
4. You work the government system to fund and begin work
5. A dozen of #2 start working right now
6. Several of #5 turn the clever idea into an actual product
7. A few of #6 compete in the market
8. A couple of #7 become market leaders
9. By the time you have your program finished, you can buy the thing for $19.95 at Best Buy

The killer is step #4. It can take three years, if you are lucky, to gain approval, gain funding, and begin working. People outside of government begin working today. If you are excellent, you can never compensate for that three-year head start.

Just be patient and go to Best Buy.