Traditional wisdom would suggest that Research and Innovation are concepts that are strongly interrelated. Research is about searching new ways to solve problems, and innovation is about figuring out new ways of achieving tasks. In Computer Science, both terms could be interpreted as the former being the predecessor of the latter. Research is more at the theoretical level, and innovation involves some real application development.
In my opinion, Microsoft and Apple have completely different approaches regarding research and innovation. Microsoft is very well known for its research excellence and has developed the most prestigious computer science research centers with top quality computer scientists researching on all kinds of interesting topics. Apple, on the other hand, is not really known as a strong company doing computer science research. Interestingly, in my opinion, Apple is clearly much more into innovation than Microsoft. Doesn’t it seem like a contradiction? Think for a moment about the most innovative products Microsoft has released in the last couple of decades -which is an eternity in computer science. In the last 5 years, Apple has changed the way we enjoy music with iPod+iTunes, the concept of mobile phones with its iPhone, and I think the way we use computers with very advanced UI concepts. They are also proposing very unique and advance hardware and software packs such as the Time Capsule, or the new iPhoto.
I have another feeling with respect to passion and making our life more fun. Apple makes my life much better at work, I enjoy working with Apple products, I feel their passion, and I benefit from it. I don’t think I know anyone that really enjoys using a Microsoft product. Do you?
The question is whether research is not only not related to innovation, but maybe being a pure researcher makes you a worse innovator? Take genius from iTunes for example. I am sure they are not applying the latest scientific results on music recommendation algorithms, but they did release a product that is massively using recommendations in a successful way.
Disclaimer: I use and love Apple products!
