How can U.S. business leaders sustain competitive advantage on a global scale?
Many people are afraid of the competition from countries in Asia, but most don’t realize that the most critical variable for success now and in the future is innovation. Some countries that may compete with us do not encourage different views; they may see them as a challenge to their power. As a result, people in these societies become good at memorizing and doing what is already accepted. But they can’t create significant innovations because challenging authority is unthinkable, so they are not skilled in seeing and thinking differently. Innovation also requires widespread trust that you won’t be punished because you have a different view. Americans need to remember that in our very brief history we have been extraordinarily successful because we initiate and innovate, and that is the result of core American values. We believe in freedom of thought, respect for individuals, and a flat playing field. We believe you are what you achieve and everyone is owed the opportunity to try. We b
