This discussion paper offers a reflection on the importance of studying innovation, using illustrative examples from16 th century Spanish history. Comparing the innovation policies of two successive rulers of the ancient city of Granada the paper makes the case that wellfunctioning innovation systems can be gradually developed, but also rapidly destroyed, through different public policies. The main argument is that it is possible to oppose the devastation of successful innovation systems by conducting and diffusing good social research that points to principles upon which such systems are based.