I came across this website. Very interesting.

Older People Are More Innovative (http://www.newsweek.com/id/212188)

Well, they are already old which means they have more experience than us. :tg: To a few younger ones like me, do you agree? :lol:

One of the greatest skills we are losing is the skill of what I call "field innovative engineering". Back during the depression, farmers had to make do with what was available. They became experts in problem solving and using innovative approaches to keeping their machinery running. I was continually amazed at how my father-in-law would come up with ideas on how to fix/move/build things in a very short time frame. But unfortunately he, like many others of that era, is no longer with us. I just wish I could have downloaded all of that experience, and ability before he passed.

One of the issues I've seen is the desire to throw money at an issue instead of looking at recycling current equipment.

I can re-configure a chem process line increasing throughput with minimal expenditure on new equipment.
I have seen a bunch on projects rejected due to costs. They were worthwhile adventures, but you can't sell large $$$ spending. Even if the ROI looks good.
But you take the same project, re-use, re-configure, some existing equipment and you have a "GO".