The role of government in the innovation process: Guglielmo Marconi and the radio.

Abstract

The dissertation will focus on the role of politics, specifically of War, in the innovation process. I will in particular analyze the relationship between Guglielmo Marconi and Admiral Carlo Mirabello (1847-1910) during the development of the radio. In order to do it, I will use as sources the letters exchanged between these two persons over the years. Previously, the historical debate regarding the role of War and more in general of the military activities in the innovation process will be the subject of a literature review. It will follow an analysis of the Marconi character, focusing on the relation between the innovator, on the one side, and the military authorities and Fascism, on the other. All the available resources (including the letters quoted above) will be mobilized in order to develop a case study, and check and verify if it can be compared with others similar cases.