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Business and innovation

Business and innovation

From Post-it Notes to microwaves – why serendipity lies at the heart of innovation

19 May 2020 James McKenzie
Taken from the May 2020 issue of Physics World, where it appeared under the headline "Serendipity in action".

Accidental discoveries lie at the heart of many technological innovations. James McKenzie runs through his favourites

Microwave ovens are one form of technology that came about by accident, not design.
Serendipitious success Microwave ovens are one form of technology that came about by accident, not design. (Courtesy: iStock/Stocknroll)
Writing in this column two years ago, I quoted Geoffrey Nicholson – the father of the Post-it Note

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James McKenzie is the writer of the Transactions column for Physics World about physics in industry. He is writing here in a personal capacity
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