Publisher's Synopsis
Few people realize that we are all in the midst of a revolution. No, it is not a political one, but a scientific and technological upheaval. As "Creating New Superstars" explains, today's exponentially increasing technological knowledge is changing the world around us at an ever faster pace. And as a result of this unprecedented wave of explosive technical advances; business, humanity, and technology have become irreversibly intertwined, leading to a new phenomenon - Superstar companies. Superstars are those select companies that are continuing to grow exponentially, even though they are giants. How can others learn from their extreme success and the paths they have followed? How can potential new Superstars be identified as they begin to develop? What role do hyper-growth technologies play in the existence of Superstars? While there is no single recipe for success, the book describes key common factors that led to the creation of specific Superstars - Genentech, Amgen, Gilead Sciences, Amazon and, of course, Apple. Yes, topics such as the act of creation and unconventional leadership are addressed, but the focus is on what the authors believe to be the most important ingredient-technology super platforms called "Launching Pads." The book describes three current Launching Pads (Microelectronics, the Internet, and Biogenetics) and shows how their symbiotic relationships have led to today's Superstars. Although understanding today's Launching Pads and Superstars is interesting, it is not the objective of the book. Rather, the authors use this information to predict and describe emerging areas of technology and science that have the potential to be "breeding grounds" for new Launching Pads. This includes exploring the possible future impacts (good or bad) of these embryonic technologies on the business world, and by implication, on the human race. Summing it all up, "Creating New Superstars" offers guidance to those who are looking to launch new businesses and to those who are already working in the trenches trying to imagine a brighter future for their company, and provides insight for job-seekers looking for exciting careers in high growth businesses and for those seeking to invest wisely in the future.
