Final answer:
Michael Lazaridis demonstrated the 'associational thinking' innovate DNA trait by conceptualizing the idea for a wireless email device, leading to the founding of Research In Motion and the development of the smartphone industry.
Step-by-step explanation:
The innovative DNA trait exemplified by Michael Lazaridis when he founded Research In Motion, now known as Blackberry, after being inspired by a wireless communication system for vending machines, is known as 'associational thinking'.
Associational thinking occurs when an innovator makes connections between seemingly unrelated problems or ideas, leading to novel inventions. In this case, Lazaridis applied the concept of wireless signals used for inventory management to the idea of mobile communication, specifically for email, which was a revolutionary step in the evolution of the smartphone industry.