This article claims that venture capital is lacking in innovation, but the article
(a) sites no evidence to back the claim
(b) does not provide support that any perceived lack in innovation might be the result of the recent financial crises (which would be a better-supported conclusion).
The idea that people from these selective schools are too conformist to innovate disregards the fact that most innovations are incremental. Furthermore, if one is taking a risk by innovating in one area of a business, it's better risk management to be more risk averse in other areas of your business. That will allow a greater chance that the business will survive in the longer terms and that you'll be able to test out new innovations and really contribute something.
So, I would guess any skill in conforming would certainly be an asset in innovation, and that this would at least counter-balance any negative effects.
The idea that people from these selective schools are too conformist to innovate disregards the fact that most innovations are incremental. Furthermore, if one is taking a risk by innovating in one area of a business, it's better risk management to be more risk averse in other areas of your business. That will allow a greater chance that the business will survive in the longer terms and that you'll be able to test out new innovations and really contribute something.
So, I would guess any skill in conforming would certainly be an asset in innovation, and that this would at least counter-balance any negative effects.