Over time, the word innovation seems to have become ubiquitous. As a result, innovation has come to mean different things to different people. One area of confusion is the belief that innovation and creativity are synonymous. At Idea Connection Systems®, we see these two activities as complementary, but very distinct. The following are the definitions we use for creativity and innovation:
- Creativity: the generation of new and/or novel ideas.
- Innovation: a creative act or solution that results in a quantifiable gain.
The Innovation Continuum
We look at the end goals of innovation on a continuum, ranging from Revolutionary to Evolutionary.
Revolutionary Ideas
Redefine problems, break boundaries, and create new paradigms. They provide completely new and sometimes disruptive ideas. The first flight and the personal computer are examples of revolutionary ideas. Steve Jobs and Thomas Kuhn are good examples of Revolutionary Innovators.
Expansionary Ideas
Challenge the current problem definitions. They answer the question: “How can we do things differently?” An example here is a product line extension, such as Apple introducing its iPhone, which uses much of the same technology as other smartphones combined with its previous iPod products, pulled in new customers and expanded the market. As an Expansionary Innovator, Tom Peters would tell you to continue doing what you are good at.
Evolutionary Ideas
Seek solutions from using existing concepts to do things better. They question: “How can we do things better?” These ideas can be very process-driven, such as Lean Six Sigma, which uses the “Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control” (or DMAIC) methodology. William Edward Deming, the father of the quality movement, would be an excellent example of an Evolutionary Innovator.
It is important to know: that all people innovate and that you need all types of innovators, from Revolutionary to Evolutionary, to successfully sustain innovation.
To make innovation happen, start by answering these three questions:
- What does innovation mean to you and your organization? What are the quantifiable gains that you measure and recognize?
- Where do your innovation goals fall on the Innovation Continuum?
- Who in your organization prefers working on Revolutionary projects? Expansionary projects? Evolutionary project?
The Human Principles for Sustaining Innovation
