Pursuits

Book Review: 'The Idea Factory,' by Jon Gertner

Can Bell Labs, maker of America’s 20th century, be replicated in the 21st?

"Better, or cheaper, or both"—how Bell Labs President Mervin Kelly defined innovation — "Better, or cheaper, or both"—how Bell Labs President Mervin Kelly defined innovationIllustration by Nick Edwards

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By Daniel Grushkin

March 22, 2012 at 10:30 PM UTC

This article is for subscribers only.

BusinessWeek Cover Image (12_13, portrait)

This article is part of the March 26, 2012 issue of businessweek.

The Idea Factory:
Bell Labs and the Great Age of American Innovation
By Jon Gertner
The Penguin Press; 432pp; $29.95

Book Review: 'The Idea Factory,' by Jon Gertner