I think the opposite is true. Patents are hampering further progress that would built upon the innovation or make use of it to increase productivity. but said progress often is not happening, if the costs of obtaining a license is high, or if first tedious communication has to happen with the author to obtain green light to use his invention. Rapid innovation looks different.

If you innovate without filing a patent, you get a head start. The time the you have until other catch on - that is how you can monetize your invention.