Based on an international study of innovation conducted by Arthur D Little, Breakthroughs! testifies to the power that believing in one's dreams can give. This book is also a riveting study of people who, by finding big needs and little openings and filling them, made world-sweeping commercial breakthroughs that have in some way touched the lives of most of us.

Behind each of these stories is a remarkable account of impossible visions made possible by human endeavor. It examines the creativity and ingenuity, determination and the special skills, the politics and perceptions that were required to open the way to new processes and products that have changed the way millions of us do things.

The studies include: JVC and the video, 3M and the Post-it pads, Chem Lawn, Tajamet ulcer drug, Sony's Walkman, the CT Scanner, the microwave oven, Toyota assembly system, Nike trainers, the Nantilus exercise system, polypropylene, Federal Express, Club Mediterranean, Philips' CD.