ABSTRACT This qualitative research study was conducted to examine whether investing in innovation and gifted intelligence would improve America's economic well-being. The investment issue became a problem because educational researchers researched innovation as creativity rather than as productive behavior. Moreover, in the literature, adult giftedness was perceived as negative development rather than as alternate normative behavior. The purpose of this research study was to generate new knowledge about innovation and adult giftedness. WICS (wisdom, intelligence, creativity, synthesized) theory of intelligence provided the theoretical framework because intelligence is a measure of human productivity potential. The neuropsychological conceptual framework facilitated a cognitive map of the innovation process. The multicase historic research design provided the answers to the research questions. Four real life historic events embedded with innovation activities and behavior utilized comparative methodology to mark patterns in behavior and cognition. Raw data gleaned from archival/historic research was analyzed utilizing content analysis of primary resources. The key results were: (a) the innovation process is a psychological tool that transcends creative activities; (b) empathy, intellectual complexity and moral intelligence is linked to wisdom and continuous learning; and (c) transcendent experiences are intrinsic motivations to reach beyond expected productive behavior. Outcomes from this study are useful for I-O psychologists because high intelligence can increase organizational productivity levels and sustain business. The positive social change implications are business administration will have to redirect business strategies to focus on employees and relationships, and training and development.