Reflecting on the tri-generational innovation communities, I see the stark need for a revival of the guild-like model from the olden days. These guilds were not just training grounds; they were essential in preserving and enhancing craftsmanship through the generations. They functioned as a conduit for skills and wisdom from seasoned masters to apprentices and journeymen.
Today, we find ourselves in a critical juncture, especially in the US and the West. Our last industrial generation, people like Lael Alexander and his mentors, hold a treasury of manufacturing and craft knowledge. Lael, a modern industrialist from the US who helped turn Shenzhen into a manufacturing powerhouse of the world, is wildly knowledgeable already but still keenly aware of the urgency to absorb wisdom from his mentors, who are in their 80s, before it's too late. He knows that knowledge transfer is vital, not just for maintaining technical skills, but for understanding the underlying principles of industry and innovation.
The reality is that the future of the US and the West is bleak if this kind of knowledge isn't passed down. We have a millennial generation adept in digital skills, like creating social media apps, but there's a noticeable gap in manufacturing and hands-on industrial skills. This gap is more than a loss of skills; it's a loss of cultural heritage and a potential threat to our economic and industrial sustainability.
To address this, we need to reimagine guilds for the modern era – as tri-generational innovation squads where the older generation not only passes down skills but also imbues the ethos of their craft. This is where older supporters play a crucial role, not just in wealth transfer but also in providing mentorship and access to networks for younger generations with big ideas and ambition.
If this guild model is revived and nurtured, it could transform our approach to innovation. It would ensure that the vast reservoir of knowledge and experience from our older generation isn't lost but is instead used to fuel new ideas and techniques. By fostering these communities, we ensure a future where innovation is not just about digital advancements but also about the tangible joys and challenges of creating something from scratch – a future where the US and the West continue to be leaders in holistic innovation and craftsmanship.