Systems do not evolve randomly, but follow definable patterns, known in structured innovation circles as the Patterns of Evolution.

These patterns have been revealed through the study of the history of technology, patents, markets and society, and they apply to all evolving systems; business and technological.

Applying the Patterns of Evolution reduces waste associated with trial and error.  Because we can predict likely evolutionary paths for a system, we can now purposefully use these patterns to evolve systems toward a specific direction.  By intentionally directing a system’s evolution, organizations can lead their market, rather than react to it.