Innovation is the key to growth of firms and of countries as originally reported by Schumpeter and more recently by Christensen, Porter, and many others. They have noted the importance of trying, failing, and learning from your failures. However, many of their recommendations may not work in some countries due to cultural differences and barriers as described by Hofstede. Per a traditional Chinese saying, "Do less, make fewer mistakes; do nothing, make no mistakes.?Examples of specific barriers in certain Asian firms will be presented. In addition, examples of how innovative Asian firms have moved beyond these cultural barriers and created new innovative products will also be presented.