The Illusion of Innovation

"A sweeping but down-to-earth manifesto on the promise and perils of trying new things." 

—KIRKUS REVIEWS

“Parker’s blend of interdisciplinary insights into innovation and real-world examples makes this a compelling guide for those ready to explore new, creative approaches to solving the world’s greatest problems.”

—SAMUEL ARBESMAN, Author of Overcomplicated and The Half-Life of Facts

“Business leaders must extend their gaze beyond the immediacy of quarterly results. Parker offers a compelling road map for navigating the uncertainties of tomorrow, offering strategic guidance on how visionary leaders can future-proof their organizations and drive sustained success. This is essential reading for leaders who understand that long-term growth demands a visionary approach today.”

—MARK JOHNSON, Cofounder, Innosight, coauthor of Lead from the Future

“The relentless pursuit of capital efficiency dominates boardroom discussions. The Illusion of Innovation serves as a wake-up call, revealing the potential pitfalls of this myopic focus while compelling business leaders to evolve their strategies toward new opportunities for growth.”

—MIKE PETIT, SVP and CFO, Wabash

“The winners in this next phase of business evolution will be what Elliott Parker dubs ‘optimistic contrarians’—and big rewards will accrue to those who are bold enough to bet on ideas that don’t fit conventional wisdom. His book is full of actionable insights and enlightening examples from recent (and also ancient) history. It’s a great guide to navigating what comes next.”

—SCOTT KIRSNER, CEO and cofounder, InnoLead

“The Illusion of Innovation provides a fascinating, insightful, and interdisciplinary look at why large organizations struggle to innovate, and what they need to do if they want to redefine their industry.”

—GAUTAM MUKUNDA, Author of Indispensable: When Leaders Really Matter and Picking Presidents: How to Make the Most Consequential Decision in the World

“An exhilarating read that highlights the opportunity for radical change through deliberate inefficiency—arguing persuasively that it’s time for organizations to find the courage to embrace the ‘weird’ and start anew.”

—KENNETH STANLEY, Computer scientist, entrepreneur, and author of Why Greatness Cannot Be Planned

“Elliott delivers a masterclass on how venture building can be leveraged by corporations to foster entrepreneurial thinking and drive transformative change.”

—SCOTT DORSEY, Managing partner, High Alpha

“Elliott does a masterful job breaking down what so many know but are afraid to say—the quest for safety and security puts companies at more risk than they can imagine because it makes them resistant, and even unable, to change. By busting the illusion of innovation, Elliott shows us a path forward, one that leads to resilient and enduring organizations.”

—ROBYN BOLTON, Founder of innovation consultancy Mile Zero and assistant professor at Massachusetts College of Art and Design

“Elliott provides a thoughtful exploration of how enterprises can effectively address critical challenges in both business and society through experimentation. This is a must-read for aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned leaders alike.”

—TATE STOCK, Founder and CEO, Chirp

“The Illusion of Innovation provides a refreshingly honest perspective on corporate innovation, complete with an intuitive framework for implementation and supported through exhilarating examples and personal accounts.”

—MATT RUBIN, Founder and CEO, True Essence Foods