n a world of hyperspecialization, true generalists have become rare. Professionals today increasingly specialize in narrow fields of expertise that suit specific purposes. Silicon Valley illustrates the effects of this hyperspecialization trend. Founders highly specialized in certain technologies or markets are regarded as central to the area?s famous tech startup scene. But in addition to skills, entrepreneurs need the ability to pivot quickly in response to unplanned changes. The importance of strategic agility in turn has prompted many founders to spurn the conventional top-down management style, in favor of a flat structure that promotes team communication. This flat, networked nature of highly successful startups has come to be closely associated with hyperspecialization. However, a growing volume of research shows that when it comes to innovation, generalists ? not hyperspecialists ? prevail.