The traits that define innovators, according to the ‘godfather of AI’
Being an outsider
In an interview with CBS News, Nobel laureate Geoffrey Hinton, known as the "godfather of AI” for his pioneering work, said that to land on ideas that could eventually develop into breakthroughs, it helps to be a “contrarian” and an “outsider”.
Resistance and rebellion are signs of progress
Anyone who looks for mistakes is already on the right path, according to Hinton. That is, people who consciously think and act contrary to the prevailing opinion and deliberately seek opportunities in contradiction.
Observe, analyze and implement
"You have to have a strong belief that everyone else could do something wrong, and that you can figure out how to do it right," Hinton told CBS.
The most innovative country in the world
Switzerland not only leads the Smart Cities Index and the Global Liveability Index, but it has also been considered the most innovative country in the world for the 14th year in a row, according to the Global Innovation Index.
An outsider country
Switzerland has never been to war and is not part of the EU despite being in European territory. This makes it an outsider, a crucial characteristic of innovation, according to Nobel Prize winner Hinton.
Other innovators
Hinton explained an innovator sees themself as someone who operates outside the norm. This attitude is crucial; when you're not tied to existing methods, it's easier to question them. Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, and Elon Musk are similar types.
The best university for innovators
ETH Zurich, a public university, is a melting pot of such people and is considered one of the best research centers in the world, placing great value on innovation and promoting a culture of creativity.
Solution-oriented work ethic
"Children are taught a solution-oriented work ethic from an early age, which leads people to work to solve common problems and help the population as a whole," Rosamunda Tagel, a British innovator who lives in Switzerland, told the BBC.
Introverts are better innovators
Interestingly, countries with high social skills, such as southern European countries or Latin America, rank very low in the Global Innovation Index, which may also be due to the fact that introversion encourages more thought and bad weather keeps people from socializing, the BBC reports.
