Page 87 - Technology and Innovation Journal - 19-1

Technology and Innovation, Vol. 19, pp. 425-435, 2017 ISSN 1949-8241 • E-ISSN 1949-825X
Printed in the USA. All rights reserved. http://dx.doi.org/10.21300/19.1.2017.425
Copyright © 2017 National Academy of Inventors. www.technologyandinnovation.org

TRANSPORTATION AND ENERGY:
THE PUSH FOR LEADERSHIP AND INNOVATION

James E. Smith

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department, Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources,
West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA

Innovation has always been the driving force behind humanity’s success at conquering our en-
vironment and in advancing our social agendas. In that ongoing effort, it is the acquisition and
utilization of energy and the transportation afforded by that energy that has allowed us to advance
and create better and more fulfilling lifestyles. This paper looks at the genesis of innovation in
the United States and how the U.S.’s progression to a global powerhouse occurred due to both
the human and environmental resources created as a result of the survival instincts associated
with innovation. If this nation, and those that are mirroring it, are going to continue to make
economic and social improvements and advancements, then the leaders and innovators of the
world are going to play a critical part in that effort, and energy will power those improvements.
Key words: Innovation; Leadership; Energy; Transportation

HISTORICAL NOTE and provides a standard of living that has few global
The United States has always held a prominent equals.
place, globally, in fostering innovation, as is exem- The nation initially benefited from its many unique
plified in the worldwide consumer acceptance of its geographic and resource-rich regions. It also bene-
technology and products. This innovation has also fited from the changing cultural and demographic
cultivated, attracted, and provided the incentives for attributes influenced by the growing and diverse
a strong leadership core that has served the nation in population. The risk-takers, adventurers, and indi-
the best and worst of economic times. Similarly, to viduals looking for a better, more prosperous life all
many regions of this country, it was with the cultural contributed to the changing landscape that became
diversity and open-market spirit, facilitated by the the U.S. Each brought their language and culture
availability of natural resources, that the U.S.’s inno- and, more importantly, a variety of trade skills and
vative vision was forged, providing the driving force a willingness to learn, adapt, and work hard because
for social, cultural, and economic change. To this day, there was a clear avenue to a fair financial exchange
it is the interplay of these attributes and resources for their contributions and a sense of accomplishment
that creates our dynamic cultural and social heritage for their efforts.
_____________________
Accepted April 15, 2017.
Address correspondence to James E. Smith, Ph.D., Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department, Statler College of Engineering and Mineral
Resources, West Virginia University, 401 Evansdale Drive, PO Box 6070, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506-6070, USA. Tel: +1 (304) 293-3264;
E-mail: james.smith@mail.wvu.edu

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