In Episode 103 of" The Energy Question" David Blackmon interviews Jerry Greenwich about the hidden mechanisms of innovation and their implications for the energy sector. They discuss how current advancements often involve refining old technologies rather than groundbreaking inventions, with examples like electric vehicles and renewable energy sources. Jerry emphasizes the need for deep, sustained thinking and experimentation—what he calls the forward plane—to achieve true innovation in energy generation, storage, and distribution.Jerry also highlights the importance of recognizing the moral and ideological dimensions influencing energy policy and innovation. His book, "First Invisible, Then Obvious," offers a framework for fostering creativity and long-term investment to tackle complex problems in energy and beyond. This conversation sheds light on how we can cultivate these abilities to drive meaningful progress.For a thought-provoking discussion on technology, energy, and policy, tune in to hear Jerry's insights and expertise.Highlights of the Podcast01:08 - Jerry Greenwich's background03:46 - First invisible Then Obvious 08:07 - Little thing of fourth plane and generation 08:36 - Back Plane09:50 - Creation of This Forward Plane Type Thing 10:42 - The experience in my own life13:24 - The Forward Plane building activity 14:34 - Representation, Precedes, Comprehension 16:42 - The Hungry Don't Get Fed 17:35 - Creativity and Innovation 20:22 - What's going on in the energy space 24:45 - Dumb Data28:26 - About Papyrus 31:16 - The writing system and the writing medium33:54 - The initial premise of principle dynamic processes 35:35 - Social Message37:16 - The emotional side of things 40:12 - The Civil Servants43:02 - When you spend money like a Drunken Sailor45:09 - The Overton Window49:33 - The abiotic story of oil52:02 - The ideas in the book