Evolution of U.S. Innovation Examined in “Schumptoberfest” Keynote Address

David Hounshell, Roderick Professor of Technology and Social Change at Carnegie Mellon University, examines the evolution of U.S. innovation, research and development over the past century Saturday, Oct. 22 in the keynote address of “Schumptoberfest 2011,” a workshop hosted by Lawrence University that explores the role of  innovation and entrepreneurship in the liberal arts curriculum.

David Hounshell

Hounshell presents “The World Schumpeter Made, or the World That Made Schumpeter?” at 4:30 p.m. in the Warch Campus Center cinema. The address is free and open to the public.

Trained in both engineering and history, Hounshell studies innovation at the intersection of science, technology and industry, especially the role of independent inventors and entrepreneurs in the development of technology.

He is the author of the award-winning book “From the American System to Mass Production, 1800-1932” and co-authored the book “Science and Corporate Strategy:  DuPont R&D, 1902-1980.”

The weekend workshop honors early 20th-century economist Joseph Schumpeter, who believed innovation and entrepreneurship are the prominent characteristics of the capitalist system.

Founded in 1847, Lawrence University uniquely integrates a college of liberal arts and sciences with a world-class conservatory of music, both devoted exclusively to undergraduate education. Ranked among America’s best colleges, it was selected for inclusion in the book “Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will Change the Way You Think About College.” Individualized learning, the development of multiple interests and community engagement are central to the Lawrence experience. Lawrence draws its 1,445 students from 44 states and 56 countries.