It is amazing that BP, other smaller companies involved, government agencies involved including the US coast guard, are all still trying to figure out how to stop a leaking oil well/pipe approximately 1 mile below the surface of the Gulf waters from releasing the toxic substance under pressure at a constant flow rate.  Why this is amazing to me is while the effort is confirmed to be technically difficult with tough constraints; in saltwater, at great depth with large external fluid pressures, no light, etc….the challenge is not new and the lack of connecting problem solvers/experts with on-the-ground resources is astounding!  Mind-blowing!

If we can’t align our collective ingenuity, creative ideas and inventions and transform them into innovations at relatively quick charge, what can we really accomplish when we as a country, as a people are in danger or have broad sweeping needs as a nation?

What is most depressing is that this challenge has the entire attention of the US and much of the world, and STILL we can’t get the problem solved.  Really?  Seriously, really?

Emily Riley: Innovation Practitioner