It might seem difficult to define what makes a smart company, but you probably know one when you see it.

When such a company commercializes a truly innovative technology, things happen … leadership in a market is bolstered or thrown-up for grabs. Competitors have to refine or rethink their strategies.

Here is a list compiled by the editors of MIT Technology Review.

 

 

They didn’t count patents or PhDs; instead, they asked whether a company had made strides in the past year that will define its field.

 

“Vision is not enough; it must be combined with venture.  It is not enough to stare up the steps; we must step up the stairs.”   ~ Vaclav Havel

 

This list highlights companies where important innovations are happening right now, regardless of reputation.  Perhaps that is why familiar names (such as Apple and Facebook) aren’t on this list.

It is kind of fun to read through what is being created now.