[Editor's note: We asked a group of Xconomists to answer the following question: "If you could patent one thing, what would it be?"]

It is a very dynamic time for the emerging cleantech market, and success will only be ensured if strong technologies are combined in systems that work the first time. So, if I only could file one patent at this time when the global cleantech innovation machine is going through the validation stage, it would be a patent that defines system functionality and defines classes of components. The result would encourage players to seek system integration at an early stage of prototyping and product development. It would also drive testing parameters into uniformity, which would allow common understanding as well as performance comparison on an “apples to apples” basis.

My wish would be to enable more collaboration between innovators so that the end customers can drive success through adoption of a data-driven reasoning path. The need for green technology in the world is very large, and we need to do everything to enable implementation of technologies working in harmony.

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1. Collaborate across disciplines.

2. Support each other with contacts and initiatives.

3. Connect politically and to local businesses.

4. Recognize success and celebrate together.

5. Promote and engage in activities that benefit the greater good for the city, the nation and the world.

[Editor's note: To help launch Xconomy Detroit, we've queried our network of Xconomists and other innovation leaders around the country for their list of the most important things that entrepreneurs and innovators in Michigan can do to reinvigorate their regional economy.]

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