Helping America Keep Its Innovative Edge – The Kauffman Foundation

With the American economy in a wrenching downturn, the innovation imperative seems more pressing than ever. Is there a role for foundations in advancing an innovation agenda? And, if so, what?

Definitions of innovation vary widely, but in the current context a crucial distinction needs to be made between invention and innovation. Invention is coming up with the breakthrough idea, and foundations focused on science and technology typically support those ambitious quests, from H.I.V. vaccines (the Gates Foundation) to hyper-efficient cars (the X Prize Foundation).

The Kauffman Foundation http://www.kauffman.org/

By STEVE LOHR

Full Story: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/11/giving/11innovate.html?_r=1&oref=slogin