Innovation as a Product of Free Speech

One of our country's greatest early successes was the establishment of the right to free speech. As a result of this citizens in our country were free to engage in any topic of conversation worry-free that they may be punished by their opinion so long as it did not aim to harm another individual. There are several obvious benefits to this policy including the ability to speak out against governmental tyranny and personal comfort knowing it is allowed to stick up for oneself. Although, one huge benefit that may not be as evident as the others is free speech's role in innovation.

To innovate is defined as to "make changes in something established, especially by introducing new methods, ideas, or products. To watch a short video describing the definition and importance of innovations click here. Essentially, innovation is the process by which we improve something through new technology or procedure. When promoting a community of high innovation, creativity must be valued. In order for creativity to be valued, it is important for the members of the community to be comfortable when expressing their new ideas. That is why a community of freely speaking people is more likely to be efficient. 

I imagine a world without free speech as a world slow to innovation. While many do not realize it, the citizens of the United States are blessed to witness and collaborate on our country's growing innovation and technology. Throughout history and even today, there have been several nations not allowing the average citizen's involvement in their country's innovation. Like current North Korea, the people living there have no idea of the new technology being made by their government. Their government fears being overthrown and as a result, they create all of the new inventions that benefit their nation. While it may seem unfortunate that their people are robbed of the excitement that stems from the process of innovation, there are other more serious negative repercussions as a result of the lack of free speech there.

All influential products, methods, or technology are the direct result of an idea. Although, ideas do not stand alone as the only thing that drives innovation. It is the acts of sharing ideas, building on top of other ideas, revising, then rediscussing ideas. In short, while ideas may be the birthplace of all great innovation, open communication is the channel by which an idea becomes innovation. So, while many people see free speech as a benefit to only the individual, think about the technology around us and how little of it we would have if its inventors were unable to collaborate. Think about the fact that the United States is one of the most economically competitive countries in the world and also the biggest supporter of free speech because, to me, that does not sound like much of a coincidence.