The Shortest History of Innovation Book launch

At this event, hosted by the University of Sydney, you will hear from Andrew Leigh as he launches his latest book, The Shortest History of Innovation - a follow-up to the international bestseller The Shortest History of Economics. He will be joined in conversation with Mark Scott, Vice-Chancellor and President, the University of Sydney

About the Book

Innovation shapes almost every corner of our lives, yet we rarely pause to notice it. Someone had to invent nails and wheelbarrows; alphabets and books; glass windows and windscreen wipers; tin cans and synthetic dyes. From tools and technologies to fresh approaches in art and architecture, innovation surrounds us. Leigh shows that three forces drive innovation: tinkering, teams and trade. He examines hotbeds of creativity, the forces that suppress them, and the surprising ways ideas travel across borders and disciplines. The result is a lively, compact look at the engines powering progress.

About the Author

Andrew Leigh is a member of the Australian Parliament. He holds a PhD from Harvard University, and is a fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia. Before being elected in 2010, he was a professor of economics at the Australian National University. His other books include The Shortest History of Economics, The Luck of Politics, Battlers and Billionaires and Randomistas.