At the same time, technological innovation (創新) will barely pause for breath, and two big political changes seem likely.

As our special report in this issue (printed before Mr Jobs's death) explains, innovation used to spill over from military and corporate laboratories to the consumer market, but lately this process has gone into reverse.

What is mentioned in this issue's special report about innovation nowadays

Societies that cannot replace their populations discourage investment and innovation.

It cannot be realized without technological innovation

Patent rights should be protected to encourage innovation.