James Dyson: We Can All Be Inventors Now

A fascinating look at one of Britain's most innovative firms (NewScientist). There are a few points I'd highlight - while software and online services are often the best example of how innovating has gotten cheaper and faster to do (all it takes is a cheap computer, computer programming skills and a few good ideas), costs have been dropping in product development as well.

As Dyson points out, the tools for developing new products, inventing and ultimately making products market ready like rapid prototyping machines and simulators are now within reach to practically everyone. That, is a good thing given that economies primarily grow, not because governments decide to spend more, but either because people get faster at doing work (productivity), or they're able to find new ways to solve problems others are willing to pay for (innovation).