The "adjacent possible" describes the idea that at any given moment, there exists a range of potential new innovations, discoveries, or combinations that are just one step away from current knowledge or existing technology. This "adjacent" realm of possibilities represents what could happen next, given what already exists, and it expands with each new breakthrough, invention, or insight. ![[Pasted image 20241104181458.png]] Originally coined by biologist Stuart Kauffman in the context of evolutionary biology, the adjacent possible illustrates how complex systems—whether in nature, science, or society—grow and innovate by taking incremental steps from the familiar into new territory. Each discovery or development doesn’t emerge from nowhere; rather, it’s built from a combination of elements or ideas already in place. ### How the Adjacent Possible Works 1. **Current State**: Imagine a starting point, which could be a biological system, a scientific idea, or a technology. The system contains existing resources, skills, and knowledge. 2. **Set of Possibilities**: From this starting point, there are certain "adjacent" possibilities—novel ideas or developments that are likely to be achievable with the current elements at hand. 3. **Exploring the Boundary**: Once a new step is taken—say, a new invention or understanding—the adjacent possible grows, expanding the range of potential future actions. Each new discovery brings with it its own set of adjacent possibilities, like doors that open to more doors. ### Example of the Adjacent Possible in Technology Consider the early internet. In the beginning, it was a simple network for sharing information between computers. Once the World Wide Web was invented, new adjacent possibilities emerged, like online search engines, email, and eventually e-commerce. Each development built on what was just before it, opening the adjacent possible to even more groundbreaking ideas like social media and cloud computing. ### Why It’s Powerful The adjacent possible is a helpful way to think about innovation because it illustrates that radical change is often the result of small, incremental steps that compound over time. It’s not about making giant leaps but rather about making the next available connection or discovery. ### The Adjacent Possible in Practice For creators, thinkers, or innovators, understanding the adjacent possible encourages exploring what’s just beyond the current landscape. Instead of reaching for the entirely unknown, it’s about looking at what combinations, recombinations, or slight modifications could lead to new opportunities, allowing growth within a manageable and accessible scope. The concept emphasizes that while imagination and ambition are crucial, innovation is often most powerful when it works within the boundaries of what’s already known, transforming and extending it into new, adjacent possibilities.