What key element of Edison's contribution was distinct from merely inventing the incandescent light bulb?

Answer

Creating the standardized, interconnected means of delivery that made the light useful to the masses.

Edison's mastery was in engineering the entire infrastructure—including central stations, conductors, meters, and circuit layout—that transformed the light bulb from a novelty into a commercial service.

What key element of Edison's contribution was distinct from merely inventing the incandescent light bulb?
inventioninventorpowersystemelectric