7. Do you consider “imitation” as innovation? Why or why not?
(My answer before class)
I thought that imitation should not be considered to be innovation. This is due to the fact that I believed that the process of imitation simply involved the copying of the manufacturing practices or design of the previous product or solution which by-passed the arduous tasks involved in developing that particular innovation. This view is solidified due to past experiences where-in the imitated product or solution was inferior when compared to the original.
(My partner's answer)
I think imitation can be considered to be innovation. Sir Isaac Newton, the famous English scientist, once said, “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants. It's because he referred to the Wise that he can promote it to facilitate the science technology development.
(My answer after class)
I now think that in some cases imitation can be considered to be innovation as I was taught the concept of “creative imitation” wherein an original idea or solution exists and is imitated with value being added by the imitator who understands how the original design can be improved to meet the needs of consumers. Additionally based on discussions in class I realize that most new innovation within the engineering field are simply building on the work caried out by previous scientist who we pay homage to by siting their work.