Eric von Hippel - Economist and Professor

Eric von Hippel is an American economist and professor known for his work on innovation and how ideas are developed. He studies how users—consumers or industries—actively create and improve products, rather than just relying on companies to innovate. His research highlights the role of "user innovation" and the importance of sharing knowledge among users. This concept has influenced how businesses approach product development, emphasizing collaboration and the value of customer input in creating better solutions. His ideas help understand how technology and innovation can emerge from everyday people rather than just from formal corporations.