THE FUSE

Since the foundational work of Austrian economist Joseph Schumpeter, research has distinguished invention from innovation by its practical implementation. Whether an innovation spreads, however, depends partly on its social acceptance and how its uses are perceived. Without such acceptance, even a promising technology may remain confined to scientific experiments and investors’ speculation. To gain public support, an innovation needs a compelling narrative capable of generating interest, if not enthusiasm. Artificial intelligence illustrates this phenomenon: while its narrative is still taking shape, its social acceptability is increasingly contested.