The Myths of Regional Innovation

“We don’t need more innovation—we need better innovation. In The Myths of Regional Innovation, Rider Foley cuts through the hype to reveal how we can align technology, policy, and investment with real human needs—and rethink what ‘good growth’ truly means. An insightful and essential read for anyone who believes progress should serve everyone—not just the few.”

Guru Madhavan, Norman R. Augustine Senior Scholar and Senior Director of Programs, National Academy of Engineering; author of Wicked Problems: How to Engineer a Better World and Applied Minds: How Engineers Think

“There are many mysteries about innovation— who does it, how it happens, what it means for society. In this book, Rider Foley busts three big myths that continue to plague our narratives about innovation: that innovation is done by singular, heroic entrepreneurs, that any place can be innovative if they follow the right recipe, and that innovations of any kind are always good for everybody. Through richly detailed case studies, Rider moves beyond studies of innovation that focus on Silicon Valley and digital software by taking us into the large-scale dynamics of regional hubs for nano-scale technologies.”

Jathan Sadowski, author of The Mechanic and the Luddite and Too Smart and Senior Lecturer in the Emerging Technologies Research Lab at Monash University

“This book challenges the conventional wisdom, revealing how unchecked innovation can deepen inequality and create unintended consequences. Instead of viewing innovation as a one-size-fits-all fix, we must understand it as part of a complex, evolving system that requires thoughtful integration of social and technical solutions.

Designed for policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and advocates, this book provides a fresh perspective on regional innovation backed up by case studies of US cities. It calls on civic leaders to take an active role in shaping innovation—not just for economic gain but for long-term sustainability, justice, and equity. If you want to be part of the future where innovation drives real solutions, this book is your essential guide.”

Rene von Schomberg, Senior Research Fellow, RWTH, Aachen University

Rider W. Foley is Associate Professor at the University of Virginia in the Department of Engineering and Society.