This year I have had the honour of teaching Business Innovation at ESIC BUSINESS & MARKETING SCHOOL, working with 22 year olds full of enthusiasm and curiosity. This challenge has led me to delve into the fascinating world of innovation, and I have discovered two particularly striking aspects:
The first finding is that many of the technologies that we consider “new” actually have their roots in the past. I have realised that, for various reasons unknown to me, certain technologies only reach their explosion point at specific times, when certain people or aligned interests decide that it is the right time to push them into society. You can see my article where I go into more detail, taking the evolution of Artificial Intelligence as an example.
The second discovery is the enormous confusion about what people mean by innovation and what it really means. And that is what this article is about.
Innovation under Debate: Diversity of Interpretations in the Digital Age
The concept of innovation has undergone a process of democratisation over the years, which is a positive development in today’s landscape. However, this democratisation has also brought with it a wide range of interpretations by various actors, from entrepreneurs to students. The realisation that many of my students lacked a clear understanding of innovation prompted me to conduct an informal study on the subject. I consulted over 100 people, including friends and colleagues, and was surprised to discover that only a modest 7.5% offered definitions that truly captured the essence of the concept. I must admit that, when I began my research on the topic, I was also in a similar situation of uncertainty.
The responses collected revealed a surprising variety. Most of them combined terms such as technology, research and development (R&D), disruptive innovation, creativity, imagination and the creation of new products or services. While these concepts are closely related to the innovation process, they barely scratch the surface of its deeper meaning.
Deciphering the Technological Past: A Journey to the Roots of Innovation
Before delving into the exciting world of innovation, it is essential to have a clear understanding of the concept of technology, as this aspect featured prominently in my research. Furthermore, when interacting with my students, I observed a marked disparity in their understanding of this term, largely influenced by their age. For many of the students born in the digital age, technology conjures up images of machines, computers, robots and artificial intelligence, which are ubiquitous in their daily lives in this era of digital revolution. However, they were surprised to discover that the concept of technology encompasses much more than these aspects.
I explained how agriculture, which was revolutionary in its time, can also be considered a form of technology. The simple act of cultivating the land and domesticating animals radically transformed the way societies organised themselves and lived. This broader understanding of technology allowed them to appreciate how throughout history, humans have constantly sought innovative solutions to address problems and improve the quality of life. Technology is not just limited to modern devices; from the most primitive tools to the latest digital innovations, all of these elements contribute to the journey of innovation.
Painting the Future: Ideas + Innovation Paint the Future
Re-examining the concept of innovation, I want to share my experience in approaching this topic with my students. I introduced the topic using a little thing I had created: a formula. I explained that innovation, by its nature, is a broad and complex concept, which can be elusive when trying to understand it in its entirety.
So I presented my formula as a kind of key to unlocking this complexity. I explained that, without this formula, innovation could seem like an unfathomable enigma. By combining seemingly disparate elements such as creativity, research, adaptation and their practical application, this formula would provide a clearer understanding of what innovation actually entails.
From Dreaming to Realisation: The Innovation Journey
The formula “idea + innovation = future” encapsulates the essence of how creativity and the ability to realise those ideas can shape what is to come. Ideas represent latent potential, like seeds waiting to germinate, and it is through innovation that these seeds find the right environment to flourish in the garden of the future.
An idea can be the starting point, a spark that awakens the imagination and the yearning for change. But it is innovation that takes that idea further, transforming it into reality. It is a process of bringing our visions to life, overcoming obstacles and finding unique solutions to the challenges we face.
In this equation, innovation acts as the bridge between the present and the future. It does not simply welcome new ideas, but gives them the impetus to become drivers of progress. It involves exploring new avenues, adapting and sometimes subverting established norms in the pursuit of constant improvement.
In this process, the future reveals itself as a blank canvas brimming with possibilities. Each idea, nurtured by innovation, contributes like a brick to the building of a more exciting tomorrow. It reminds us that change and evolution are inherent in our nature, and that the future is not predefined, but forged with every bold idea and every step forward we take.
Innovation in Harmony: The Symphony of Knowledge, Imagination and Creativity
An idea is like a flash of light in the mind. It is like a spark that suddenly appears, when your experiences, your knowledge and your creativity combine in an explosive mental cocktail.
First of all, there is knowledge. It’s like the foundation on which you build an idea. It’s the things you learn throughout your life, you know, the experiences, the lessons, the discoveries…. All of that forms a kind of mental structure where ideas can take root. Without a solid knowledge base, ideas would just float in the air.
Then there is imagination. It is like the wing that ideas need to fly high. With imagination, you can go beyond the obvious, explore new worlds and visualise things that don’t yet exist. It is like a bridge between what you know and what you could create. An imaginative mind can connect seemingly unrelated concepts and form something completely new.
But here comes the interesting part: creativity. It’s like the engine that drives the whole process. Creativity is what turns that imaginary vision into something real, tangible. It is the ability to give form and functionality to ideas. It allows you to be inventive, to think in new ways and, at the end of the day, to realise what you imagined.
So, an idea is not just a bunch of knowledge, imagination and creativity. It is a unique combination of all those things. It is the result of your mind exploring what you already know, venturing into the unknown and ultimately bringing something new and exciting to life. That dance between knowledge, imagination and creativity is where ideas that can change the world are born.
From Imagination to Market: The Complete Dance of Innovation
Innovation is not just about generating brilliant ideas; it is an exciting journey full of challenges, adjustments and considerable learning along the way.
It all starts with a creative spark. An idea that comes out of the blue and promises something new and exciting. But here’s the kicker: having a brilliant idea doesn’t automatically guarantee innovation. That’s where the trial and error phase comes in.
First versions of an idea may not be perfect. They may fail in some respects. However, every mistake represents an opportunity to learn and improve. Innovation thrives on these setbacks and the ability to adjust and move on to success.
It is essential to understand that innovation is not an easy path. It is often a challenge that requires a great deal of perseverance. But here’s the truth: mistakes should not be seen as failures, but as necessary steps towards success.
The real achievement comes when your innovative product or service reaches the market. It is at this point that your idea becomes tangible and valuable to people. This step, the market launch, is essential for innovation to have a significant impact.
Therefore, when we talk about innovation, we are not only referring to the generation of attractive ideas. It is about the whole process, from the initial conception of the idea to its materialisation in the market. True innovation does not remain only in the realm of creativity, but is realised in the real world, overcoming obstacles and demonstrating its value in action. Ultimately, innovation is a testament to the remarkable human capacity to be creative, adaptable and persevering.
Innovation that Transforms: Sowing Seeds for the Future
Innovation not only represents a forward momentum in all spheres of life: in society, personally and in business. In essence, it acts as a guide to a brighter future, introducing changes that make a difference and adding unparalleled value.
From a societal perspective, innovation serves as an engine that drives improvements in the quality of life for all individuals. Innovative solutions help us address social problems ranging from health to education to the environment. With a touch of creativity, we can find answers to complex challenges and improve people’s lives.
On a personal level, innovation acts as a compass that guides us towards growth and self-realisation. It facilitates the process of improvement, change and the achievement of our goals and aspirations. By adopting an innovative mindset, we can discover new ways to learn, face challenges and continue to progress. Innovation feeds our curiosity, fosters our adaptability and opens doors to opportunities that lead to a more exciting future.
In business, innovation is what keeps us ahead of the curve and allows us to stay in the game for the long term. Innovative companies are not only developing superior products and services, they are also transforming the way business is conducted. The ability to adapt to a constantly changing environment and anticipate future market needs is critical to business success.
In conclusion, innovation is not simply about change for the sake of change; it is the way human beings imagine, create and transform the world around them. By embracing innovation in our lives, we actively contribute to building a more exciting and meaningful future. Ultimately, innovation represents the common thread that connects the present to a future full of possibilities and continuous improvement in all areas of our existence.
