I've been reflecting on the many different definitions and meanings for the
word innovation. Here's a snapshot of a few of my favorites. Take a look and
let me know what you think. Is the right answer A, B, C, or some/none/all of the
above?
A)
Seeing and connecting the dots (by David
Brier, Branding Expert and Fast Company Blogger). What I like about David's
definition is its simplicity. Some people see dots and some don't. For those
who see the dots, it's about exploring, questioning, and connecting them. While
the definition is simple, its broadness may be a shortcoming. When so many things
can be considered innovation, perhaps nothing is really innovative anymore. Hmm. Read more on the Fast Company Blog.
B)
A taxonomy of activities including
Novelty, Creation, Invention, and Innovation (by Horace Dediu, Technology
Analyst). Horace saw a problem and he coined the term 'innoveracy' to describe it.
Innoveracy is the misuse of the word innovation and the inability to tell the
difference among Novelty, Creation, Invention, and Innovation. In Horace's
definition, Novelty is something new, Creation is something new and valuable,
Invention is something new and having potential value through utility, while
Innovation is something new and uniquely useful. In this way, the taxonomy is
hierarchical and Innovation is the product of Novelty, Creation, and Invention.
While the definition is brings a bit more clarity, I wonder if the formulaic nature holds true in all cases? Does innovation really = Novelty + Creation + Invention (etc.). Hmm. Read more on the Asymco Blog.
C) When a large group of people change
what they used to think, know, or do for something fundamentally different (by Dean
Kamen, Entrepreneur and Inventor). In Dean's definition he takes into
consideration behavior change. What I like about this is that innovation doesn't
really matter unless it is embraced. Out of the three definitions, I gravitate
towards Dean's the most. It could be that I like the bias towards action, as well as,
the rational + emotional insight. Read more on the Discovery Blog.
D)
Some/None/All of the above
you there!
a Master of Science in Creativity, Innovation and Change Leadership
from the International Center for Studies in Creativity at Buffalo State
College and an M.B.A in Marketing from Bentley University. She enjoys
writing about creativity and innovation and is published with Bloomberg
Businessweek, the Huffington Post, The National Association of Gifted
Children, and iMedia Connection. In her role as an award winning,
digital marketer, she uses her passion for creativity and innovation to
develop breakthrough digital and social experiences. You can connect
with Alicia on Twitter @alicarnold.