Immanuel Kant Revisited - A Note on the U.S. Innovation Policy

A fundamental discussion is lacking in the current document on U.S innovation policy from the National Research Council [1] of how invalid innovation styles and business cultures in different combinations discriminates innovation in science and industry. With credit to the philosophy of Immanuel Kant, we redefine innovation as similar to a research process and argue for improvements in the innovation literature to avoid poor results and failed innovation in the future; i.e. the innovation paradox. A critical review of the U.S. innovation policy document originates from our own university-based research and innovation in the occupational safety and health area, which is an area where both research and industry have failed thus far. Our article includes both proposals for a revised national mission based on Kant, as well as examples of how investment in research and innovation can translate and transform innovation ideas into commercial products in networks and eco-systems; and also how collaborative channels might be opened between independent inventors and universities. Our findings are important for both scientists and politicians, as well as for individuals - in industry and in society - who want to commercialize inventions.