 What does Google do for their employees to foster innovation?
Its very unpredictability makes it unwise to build systems that take too much away from what human beings do best: look, think, innovate, adapt, discuss, learn, and repeat. The idea was to eliminate human error and variability in the face of change by removing thinking to the system, and thus neutralizing the variability of the human beings who worked it. But the impulse to build fully-specified systems, designed by experts, monitored and controlled so as to limit human greed and error and to manage uncertainty, was basic and widespread. This approach was widespread and influential; it still is.
 One day a week, they can pursue whatever ideas they like.
 They use Segways on the Google campus and in the buildings.  They have a relaxed dress code.  One day a week, they can pursue whatever ideas they like.  They have a culture of play.