Innovation is a word that features prominently when discussing all manner of problems in the world and how to address them. We have:
- climate change and innovation will help rid us of this curse and save the world
- the economy is getting a little stagnant with little or no growth, innovation to drive the market forward to compete on the world stage
- Governments formulate policies to encourage innovation in public and private enterprise with entire departments devoted to this great cause
- business entities seek how to become innovative against their competitors or die a slow painful death
- books, papers, seminars, podcasts …. you name it, advocate and advise why and how to become innovative.
Now we all know of the fundamental importance of innovation, we can simply go ahead and start doing it. . . . or can we?
How many people could unambiguously define what innovation is; describe why something is innovative or is not innovative; or despite the plethora of published material, government, business and academic bodies promoting innovation is it really necessary or should I concern myself with it?
First off is to consider where innovation has occurred at a high level without getting into a great academic or political debate as to how to precisely define innovation. A general agreement that innovation has been with us long before all the published material appeared and champions advocating the importance of innovation. One could say it is part of our DNA!
The term innovation means many things to many people to the point that it means nothing but reputations ride on this simple term (much like sustainability or many other feel good terms). This problem has been recognized by some, but still exists as a buzzword for most.
Definitions abound on the Internet and publications, but within those definitions there is a secret.
Innovation is far from a new concept, it began long before the technology or marketing revolution that invades us today.
Can we all identify what is innovation or not and more importantly why!
Analogies can provide useful perspectives on a complex concept
The hidden ingredient!!
Wicked Paths 