Innovation does not happen in isolation. It thrives at the intersection of disciplines, industries, and expertise. Over the past three decades, I have worked in chemical engineering, polymer chemistry, coatings, and intellectual property. One thing that has remained constant is that the best ideas emerge when people challenge conventional thinking and apply knowledge in unexpected ways.
Here, I will share some of the lessons I have learned, the challenges I see in today’s scientific landscape, and why I believe mentorship and curiosity are needed to foster the next generation of innovations.
The challenge of developing the next generation of innovators:
One of the most pressing issues in science and engineering today is the development of young professionals. The industry is filled with talented individuals, but many lack exposure to the fundamental engineering and scientific principles necessary for true innovation.
While advanced modeling tools and simulations are helpful, they cannot replace real-world data. Without hands-on experience, it is difficult to generate the high-quality information needed to drive meaningful progress.
Unfortunately, many companies today are hesitant to invest in training. While remote work has provided incredible flexibility, it poses challenges for early-career scientists and engineers. In the past, hands-on learning was a necessity. A person was needed to be in the lab, run experiments, collect data, and learn directly from experienced professionals. That is much harder to achieve in today’s remote or hybrid environments.
Our leaders need to consider how they will cultivate the next generation of scientists and engineers in a way that does not just turn them into cogs in a machine. It is not enough to assign them tasks. Our future leaders need structured opportunities to build expertise, innovate, and apply their knowledge practically.
Staying connected fuels real innovation:
A key factor in professional growth, whether for early-career scientists or seasoned experts, is staying connected to the broader industry. It is easy to get caught in a bubble and assume that work within a specific company or sector is groundbreaking. However, without engaging with external research, industry trends, and intellectual property developments, it is impossible to know whether something is truly innovative.
Staying informed requires continuous effort. Attending conferences, reading new research, reviewing patent filings, etc. These are essential practices for identifying what is truly valuable and simply noise. As information becomes more abundant, distinguishing between these two becomes more difficult and critical.
Cross-disciplinary expertise expands perspectives:
One of the most valuable lessons I have learned is that innovation does not usually happen by digging deeper into a single subject; it happens at the boundaries where different fields intersect. This is something I have experienced firsthand through consulting work in multiple industries.
Companies benefit from cross-disciplinary insights because they allow for the application of knowledge in unexpected ways. A technology developed for one sector might have untapped applications in another. For example, the migration of gaming technology into surgical robotics or the use of nanofibers developed for filtration being used in medical device applications. The ability to recognize these opportunities and translate expertise across disciplines often leads to innovations.
This is why I always encourage professionals to broaden their perspective, seek knowledge beyond their immediate field, and challenge traditional industry silos.
It is possible to balance flexibility with structure:
As an independent consultant, I have had the advantage of setting my schedule, but that flexibility also comes with challenges. One of the most important lessons I have adopted is being present in the moment, fully engaged in whatever task is at hand.
A company I worked with years ago had a simple but powerful reminder: “Be here now.” This philosophy is particularly relevant in today’s remote-work environment. While working from anywhere is a great advantage, it also blurs the lines between work and personal life. Maintaining a structured routine while allowing flexibility is essential for productivity and well-being.
Final remarks:
The future of innovation depends on how well we bridge the gaps between disciplines, between theory and practice, and between generations of professionals. Companies must invest in the development of their workforce, scientists must stay engaged with industry trends, and individuals must take an active role in broadening their expertise.
The best ideas do not come from isolated efforts; they come from collaboration, cross-disciplinary thinking, and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible. By taking deliberate steps to foster innovation, we can ensure that science and technology continue to evolve in meaningful, impactful ways.
