Loonshots by Safi Bahcall is meant to show readers how to nurture crazy ideas that could become breakthrough developments in different industries. The author bases his theories on the science of phase transitions, suggesting a new way to look at the world and think about group behavior. This book might prove more useful if you are in a position where you need to learn how to manage groups of people with different talents and skills, in order to achieve success.
Although we don't subscribe to any "magical" formulas to gain success, Safi Bahcall's book might show some insights into different study cases on ground-breakign products or strategies.
The two types of loonshots he mentions are the following:
P-type loonshot: a surprising breakthrough in product (a technology that was widely dismissed before ultimately triumphing).
S-type loonshot: a surprising breakthrough in strategy (a new way of doing business, or a new application of an existing product, which involves no new technologies).
Based on the systems of Bush and Vail mentioned in the book, the author believes that "the need to nurture and protect fragile loonshots so they can survive those stumbles and setbacks, whether self-inflicted or caused by others" is paramount in the first stages.
"The goal of phase separation is to create a loonshot nursery. The nursery protects those embryonic projects. It allows caregivers to design a sheltered environment where those projects can grow, flourish, and shed their warts".
Loonshots might shed some light on the desired equilibrium to maintain in any industry, to have a loonshot nursery as well as people in charge to translate the ideas that come from it into practical reality. A little bit of both is needed and encouraged.
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