Then came the invention of a vaccine by Jonas Salk, one of the great medical breakthroughs of the 20th century.

FORBES: Despite the Odds, Vaccinators Triumph Over Polio

"Some of the great places of invention were the old industrial research labs, " says Arthur Molella, director of the Smithsonian's Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Prisoners live the old adage that necessity is the mother of invention, and they are living proof that great inspiration depends on some desperation.

FORBES: The Prisoner's Dilemma: The Key to Creativity

Every great business idea or invention is the product of worthwhile talent, but it takes a team with many different talents to bring those ideas to fruition.

FORBES: Successful Companies Put The Right People In The Right Jobs

Luckily, as Xerox showed, great invention can produce dramatic benefits even in the face of fumbling commercialization.

FORBES: The Lesson That Market Leaders Are Failing To Learn From Xerox PARC

The capability to strike at very long range with very great accuracy using conventional weapons has been a goal of strategic air power since the invention of the airplane.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center For Security Policy