Page 13 - HBR's 10 Must Reads 20180 - The Definitive Management Ideas of the Year from Harvard Business Review

EDITORS’ NOTE

will follow a fairly predictable path. But although the journey may
take years, it’s not too early to start planning.
New technology is born of effective R&D, but numerous poten-
tial stumbling blocks lie between research and commercial develop-
ment. Early-stage research is expensive, risky, and unpredictable—so
corporations generally shy away from it, leaving many opportuni-
ties unexplored. They could revitalize their research operations
by adopting the approach taken by Bob Langer, a chemical engi-
neer whose lab at MIT is one of the most productive and profitable
research facilities in the world. “The Edison of Medicine,” by HBR
senior editor Steven Prokesch, details Langer Lab’s proven formula
for accelerating the pace of discoveries and getting them into the
world as products. It includes focusing on projects that could make
the most difference to society, finding opportunity in the constant
turnover of researchers, and cultivating a leadership style that bal-
ances freedom and support.
Looking across disciplines and trends and synthesizing the best
ideas is important—and time-consuming—work for today’s lead-
ers. With this volume, we’ve done some of that heavy lifting for
you. With topics ranging from a new type of literacy to a new way
to record transactions, the articles here will help you better manage
your work today and make smart plans for whatever lies ahead.

—The Editors

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