Welcome to the AV STEM Center Blog

This blog will provide information about Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics efforts within the Antelope Valley, as well as links to helpful STEM sites and info from beyond. Check back periodically for updates.

Connect a Million Minds Tagline

Connect a Million Minds Tagline

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Dean Kamen Says Fear of Failure Inhibits Innovation

Dean Kamen, inventor of the Segway personal vehicle and founder of FIRST Robotics, opines in the STEM Education column of US News and World Report that the fear of failure and lack of innovation in America are inhibiting US advancement in the flattening world.  He exhorts teachers to have students work on big problems (which may or may not have existing answers), which will result in failure and loss, but also to encourage and re-energize the students to keep going afterwards.  Additionally, Kamen states that government regulations stifle creativity; rather than focusing on job creation per se, there must be a focus on innovation.  "I don't think Sergei [Brin] and Larry [Page] set out to create a job for themselves. I don't think Alexander Bell or the Wright Brothers were looking to create a job. They were looking to change the world."  http://www.usnews.com/news/blogs/stem-education/2011/11/02/segway-inventor-fear-of-failure-kills-us-innovation

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