Loonshots

How to Nurture the Crazy Ideas That Win Wars, Cure Diseases, and Transform Industries

By Safi Bahcall

Loonshots (2019) This book delves into a topic crucial for the triumphs of both the US military and competitive businesses: creativity and fresh ideas. Safi Bahcall uses compelling historical instances to illustrate that groundbreaking innovations and discoveries don't spring from lone visionaries but are the outcomes of well-designed organizational frameworks that encourage creative thinking.

About the author

Safi Bahcall, a physicist and biotechnology entrepreneur, earned his PhD from Stanford in 1995, then pursued further studies at UC Berkeley as a Miller Fellow in physics. Following three years at the consultancy McKinsey, he co-founded Synta Pharmaceuticals, which focuses on creating innovative cancer treatments. His debut book, "Loonshots," has been acclaimed as a must-read by the Washington Post, Inc., and Business Insider.

Discover the Dynamics of Groundbreaking Ideas

What do Renaissance astronomers, World War II strategists, and an American airline navigating a deregulated market share? They all thrived by embracing loonshots—seemingly wild ideas that, once successful, make us wonder how we ever lived differently.

However, for every transformative idea, countless others fail. As Thomas Edison noted, progress is often a tally of failures—each setback eliminates a non-viable option and edges closer to a breakthrough. This reality underscores the importance of experimentation despite its high costs, time demands, and inherent risks.

These factors can alarm any organization focused on efficiency and profit. That's why many miss out on groundbreaking innovations. The solution, as Safi Bahcall illustrates through historical examples, lies in balancing innovation with operation, or what he terms franchising. This involves creating a dedicated space where creative minds can freely develop their ideas—like a nursery for loonshots.

Continue reading to discover how top organizations successfully foster innovation and:

• why the US military initially rejected an early radar prototype;

• how even seasoned innovators sometimes hit dead ends;

• what loonshots reveal about Western history.