Bell Labs is a historic model of innovation through autonomy given to talented individuals. However, contemporary companies struggle to replicate this model due to management concerns over resource allocation, potential waste, and the fear that the innovations may benefit competitors. Commenters note that while smart individuals crave autonomy, many choose independent routes to reap the rewards of their innovations directly. Current management practices prioritize immediate KPIs over the exploratory freedom that defined Bell Labs’s success. There's a growing recognition of programs that encourage exploration without instant results, but doubt persists about their effectiveness compared to the lengthy commitment seen in traditional research labs like Bell Labs.