How to Change the Future: Lessons from Ireland on Revolutionizing Scientific Innovation and Economic Prosperity

by William C. Harris, Peter Mackey, Mary Harney

Unlike any other book of its kind, How to Change the Future takes us behind the scenes of profound change to reveal the 20 proven steps that government, business, and university leaders must take to turn knowledge into innovation and innovation into economic impact. Refusing to settle for the renowned success of the Celtic Tiger, Ireland has done just that in the 21st century through a new science foundation that has reaped profound benefits for its national strength and global competitiveness. How to Change the Future shows us how Ireland did it, how others can too—and the pitfalls that have held others back. Rich with the personal insights of the leaders, change-makers, and thinkers who transformed opportunity in Ireland, this is a book that leaders are calling a “must read.”

225 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 19, 2023

About the author

William C. Harris is Professor Emeritus of History at North Carolina State University.

Reviews

[Ira Levin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Today, with the rapidity of changes occurring simultaneously in the technological, political and economic disciplines, efforts to both comprehend and harness the overlapping consequences can often overwhelm the leaders charged with defining the paths forward. Two visionaries, Harris and Mackey, have assembled in their volume the critical aspects learned from their experiences in Ireland, namely, in illuminating the necessary interactions between academic, business and governmental entities required for creating a healthy, robust and lasting economic environment. This is a must read for influencers at all levels. The reader will appreciate that the detailed approaches can be replicated elsewhere, as noted particularly in the formation of Science Foundation Arizona. The clarity of the writing of the authors enhances the viability and lasting nature of their effort.

Ira W. Levin, PhD
Scientific Director, Retired
National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, Maryland

[Lou Manzione · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book on how to link scientific research to economic prosperity using the effectiveness of Science Foundation Ireland and Science Foundation Arizona as examples. Their message is concise and relatable to many other nations and states attempting to develop their knowledge economy, and the business and academic partners needed to make it happen. The authors emphasize focusing on a small number of scientific areas where the entity has or can attract difference-makers. The book is effective as a prescription for how business, academia, and government can partner in the judicious use of public funding to turn those investments into economic impact. As such, the book is important for those three audiences as well as anyone interested in the development of knowledge-driven economic growth.