The Gentle giant, Jack Kilby and his invention changed the world 54 years ago TODAY!
I don't think we would have the computers, plotters or digital in-jet printers today if not for Kilby's invention.
Unknowable.
He wasn't working in a vacuum, he just did it first. Had he not, most likely whomever was in second place would have done the very same thing. Functionally if not exactly. Miniaturization is but a feature of semiconductors, not the thing itself. Even at that time it was widely know that smaller was better both for speed and power consumption. Miniaturization was/is inevitable.
Well Bob, just like in a horse race the winner is defined by the first to cross the finish line, yet eventually all the horses do cross the line even the last slow poke at the end.
But that shouldn't take anything away from the WINNER.
Jack should get the credit he's due, like a race horse!