How is one supposed to innovate when they're scared of what that persistent cough means, but can barely afford to feed their family let alone pay a doctor. And if it is something malignant, they cannot even begin to think of how they'd pay for ongoing treatment? How is one supposed to innovate when they're homeless and surviving literally meal to meal?

Contrary to what you (somehow) believe, innovation can only really flourish (as opposed to the sporadic jumps made otherwise) when you are safe, warm and well fed.