A decade ago, I wrote an article about innovation in Eastern Europe for the Washington Post. A few years ago, I wrote about innovation in Africa. In this sponsored article, Mian Awais explores that idea further by including Western Europe too. Here is what he writes:
In the modern world, the United States, Japan, South Korea, and China are leaders in technical innovation and inventions. The USA, in particular, is home to many of the world’s biggest tech companies, including Apple, Google, and Microsoft.
Of course, other parts of the world also create their own fair share of new technologies, but there was once a time, not that long ago when Europe was the epicenter of ingenuity and innovation. After all, you have Czechia to thank for contact lenses, Belgium for newspapers, and Norway for the aerosol can.
As you travel across the continent, you can still see hints of that today. You just need to know where to look.
Industrial Revolution - Manchester, United Kingdom
The industrial revolution was a period of rapid expansion as we transitioned from making everything by hand to using giant machines to help us be more efficient. It began in Great Britain, with many of the large industrial machines being invented on the island.
This helped the UK to become the world’s biggest economy by the mid-18th century. Much of the industrialization happened in the north of England, with cities like Manchester becoming the center for the production of textiles and other essential products.
While much of this industry has now moved overseas, there are still traces of the industrial revolution all over Manchester.
The city center is home to buildings like The Corn Exchange, The Printworks, and Watts Warehouse, all of which are industrial revolution-era buildings that have been converted into restaurants, hotels, cinemas, and other leisure businesses.
Keep an eye out as you walk around the city and you’ll find a glimpse into the city’s industrial past almost everywhere you look.
The Casino - Venice, Italy
Casino games are enjoyed almost everywhere in the world, through a mixture of online and land-based casinos and the private games that people play at home. Today, cities like Las Vegas and Macau are famous for being the homes of the largest casino resorts in the world, but it was Europe that helped create the concept.
The games themselves, such as roulette, can be traced back through the continent’s history. Games that share most of the same features as modern blackjack was already being played in Europe as early as the 15th century, though they have evolved into what is played today for more than 500 years since.
After these games had been invented, Europeans needed somewhere to play them, and that was how the Casino di Venezia came to be. Having first opened in 1638, it is the oldest casino in the world and sits on the banks of Venice’s Grand Canal.
While much smaller than the giant resorts you’d find in Nevada or New Jersey, its opulent architecture and fascinating history make it worth a visit today.
The Ice Cream Cone - Italy
While in Italy, you’ll find it hard not to be tempted by the delicious gelato parlors that are on almost every corner of the tourist hotspots. However, until the 19th century, customers would be served their tasty sugary treat in a glass cup that was rinsed with a splash of water in between customers.
These cups were hardly the pinnacle of hygiene, so the cone was originally designed to make ice cream eating more sanitary. Today, they can be just as important as the ice cream itself, with some vendors adding chocolate and other tasty augmentations to the cones.
Wherever you find yourself in Italy, be sure to try the gelato, and while you do, appreciate the humble ice cream cone.
The Wrist Watch - Switzerland
Today, we use watches as a status symbol rather than a tool for telling the time. If all we wanted to do was check whether now is an acceptable time to have lunch, then the clock on our smartphone is more than sufficient, but a quality wristwatch is something that many people appreciate.
Before the 20th century, most watches came on a chain and would be kept in your pocket until you wanted to check the time. Some companies in the late 19th century began converting these pocket watches to make them possible to wear on the wrist.
However, it was a Swiss company by the name of Dimier Frères & Cie that would invent and patent the first purpose-made wristwatch with the wire lugs that are still commonplace today.
Switzerland is still home to many of the world’s best watchmakers, including Rolex, Jaeger-LeCoultre, and Piaget. While it isn’t possible to get a tour of any of the factories that make these exquisite timepieces, anyone who appreciates a fine watch will certainly enjoy a visit to any of Bucherrer’s stores in Switzerland.
Alternatively, there are several fascinating watch museums, including the Omega Museum in Bienne, the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva, and the Beyer Clock and Watch Museum in Zurich.
Francis says: The big question is whether Europe will retake the innovation lead, which is currently occurring in East Asia and the USA. Innovation often comes from youth, which Europe is slowly losing to its aging population. This bodes poorly for its ability to innovate. What do you think?
