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In its purest sense, "invention" can be defined as the creation of a product or introduction of a process for the first time. "Innovation," on the other hand, occurs if someone improves on or makes a significant contribution to an existing product, process or service. Consider the microprocessor. Someone invented the microprocessor. But by itself, the microprocessor was nothing more than another piece on the circuit board. It's what was done with that piece -- the hundreds of thousands of products, processes and services that evolved from the invention of the microprocessor -- that required innovation.

What makes the cartoon light bulb of creativity go off over someone's head? What is the catalyst for groundbreaking inventions and innovative breakthroughs? In his illuminating new book, the journalist Jonah Lehrer explicates some now-classic case studies.

To what extent are you responsible for innovation in your company? The reality is that unless they're in research or product development, most people in organizations don't think of themselves as innovators. In fact, many managers discourage their people from inventing new ways of doing things - pushing them instead to follow procedures and stay within established guidelines.

Some of our best minds work and innovate in the technology sector. Social networking, ubiquitous video streaming and global connectivity have ushered in a new world for many, but not all. We plan to apply the brainpower that delivered these inventions to the biggest social challenges of our time. In short, we think the technology industry can reboot American innovation and prosperity.