We can propose some goals for our-selves and our technical society in response to the mentioned examples and discussion. In essence, we would like to increase acceptance of stainless products, delay the onset of a plateau and prevent discontinuance. We would also like to facilitate the continued innovation and diffusion of better processes for manufacturing stainless steel. To achieve these goals we must remove barriers to, and promote drivers of, innovation and its diffusion.One important potential driver for increased further stainless usage is long-term cost savings. Free software from the Specialty Steel Industry of North America (SSINA) is available to demonstrate Life Cycle Cost analysis to potential users. Although the Bass forecasting model indicates that stainless as a whole may be nearing maturity as a product, we may need to consider the low carbon alloys as a separate innovation since their growth curve seems to be in the early stages of the classic diffusion cycle.Prior process innovations can drive future product innovations and vice versa. Forward thinking developers will look back to learn the history of related fields. Realizing that decades can separate related innovations, they will be ready to jump in to beat the pack. A plethora of structured methods for assisting in the innovation process already exist and may deserve a little more attention.Above all, effective, intelligent communication methods are essential to propel innovation and diffusion. Interpersonal communications are especially important, as are communications between different groups and societies. Taking the trouble to gain a through understanding of potential users of an innovation can enable homophilous communication to occur. This type of communication is crucial to overcoming the regulatory barriers that sometimes stand in our way. Can we do better? Are we communicating sufficiently well with product designers, end users, other societies and regulatory authorities? Our future could depend on it.
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