Rethinking industrial research, development and innovation in the 21st century

Solving problems related to energy, water, food supplies, health and the environment requires breakthrough innovation and the fundamental research that underlies it. Enhanced governmental funding in research is critical, but industry also needs to step up. This article focuses on the ways Google, Edwards Lifesciences, Tesla Motors, and Space X are making investment in far sighted research a priority, and have developed processes that ensure that scientists and engineers remain central to the organization even as it grows. Their leaders demonstrate a passion for using science and technology to solve major problems, and view companies as vehicles for inventing the future.