We imagine innovation as a trickle-down process. Companies in places such as the United States, Europe, and Japan deploy sophisticated technology to produce premium products for developed markets. Then they strip out some features, maybe substitute cheaper materials and eliminate …

Brian Scudamore is creating 1-888-WOW-1DAY!, a national franchise that promises to paint your whole house in a day.Some industries seem impervious to innovation. Take house painting. If your painters will work on cloudy days and don’t miss that bit aro…