Innovation in the Anthropological Perspective

"Anyone with a professional stake in innovation will do well to reflect on the systematic insights offered here about the complex cultural and organizational scaffolding on which incremental changes pile up and lead to transformational disruptions. A wide range of cases tackle the emergence of products and services we now take for granted, from bicycles to digital paywalls and public health campaigns."

—Ed Liebow, PhD, Affiliate Associate Professor, Recent Executive Director of the American Anthropological Association

"This book is a welcome addition to the scientific literature on innovation, filling a significant gap in the ethnographic record. Written in the classic traditions of cultural anthropology, Innovation uses "participant observation" (first-hand experience) and a holistic perspective that are the hallmarks of the anthropological study of society."

—Richard L. Currier, PhD, author of UNBOUND: How Eight Technologies Made Us Human

"Gluesing, Miller, and Wild masterfully merge theoretical insights with practical applications. The book uniquely balances deep conceptual understanding with illustrative case studies, offering valuable perspectives for both business leaders and anthropologists. It cuts through the usual innovation hype with critical analyses and provides actionable design principles. Essential reading for those seeking a comprehensive and grounded approach to innovation."

—Matt Artz, founder of Azimuth Labs and host of the Anthropology in Business podcast