Fifty or so years ago, you only needed basic computing knowledge to be the head architect for the personal computer industry. Today? 20+ years experience and vast political connections.

Where the computer industry was fifty years ago is what today? What fields can you make a huge difference in without dealing with the "credentials" or "politics" that hamper other fields?

P.S. I think the social web is also disappearing as the frontier since companies like Facebook are asking a lot for their new hires.