Smart entrepreneurs go through multiple escalating market tests, each building upon the previous test.

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And Korea is quietly connecting its national labs, historically great technical universities, and public utilities to conduct large-scale tests of cutting-edge smart grid technologies.

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In fact, said Perkins, smart entrepreneurs should arrange early, low-cost tests of their ideas to make sure they are on the right track.

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Mobile medical apps for smart phones and iPads are already allowing doctors to order lab tests and meds and residents are using them to look up drug interactions.

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Elena, who had enjoyed her status as the cleverest girl in the class, has to fall in behind the brilliant Lila, who is as smart at school as she is on the street: she comes in first on all the tests, and can do complicated calculations in her head.

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