Understanding what we really mean when we use the word “Innovation”

Posted on23. Aug, 2008 by Jeff Dance.

Scott Berkun, author of the book “The Myths of Innovation”, recently suggested that we use the word innovation too often in a vague way and we have diverse intended meanings.  I can’t argue with him. Its used carelessly to suggest a number of different things and has lately been a popular buzz word for [...]

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“No one feels happy walking away from the suggestion box”

Posted on25. Jul, 2008 by Jeff Dance.

In a recent discussion about some fresh entrepreneurial ideas, one of my colleagues at Intel suggested some ways to improve Intel’s operation, but commented that “no-one feels happy walking away from the suggestion box”.  Why does no-one feel happy sharing a suggestion after dropping it in a box?  I felt my colleague’s statement reverberate over [...]

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Innovation often occurs on two extremes. Can you do it in the middle?

Posted on30. Jun, 2008 by Jeff Dance.

Innovation often occurs on two extremes – when there is a pressing need OR an abundant opportunity
Pressing Need: People are forced to innovate during downturns in the economy or when costs are greater than profits. For example, innovation is often cited as a benefit of business cycle. It forces people to think of alternative [...]

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Continuous vs. Emergent: Two classes of distinct innovation

Posted on16. Jun, 2008 by Jeff Dance.

Continuous and Emergent innovation stem from the same basic innovation definition: something fresh or new that creates value, but there are numerous key differences. Continuous Innovation is synonymous with improvements, fresh iterations, progression, new enhancements, growth, incremental changes and efficiency whereas Emergent Innovation is synonymous with breakthroughs, disruption, radical ideas, paradigm-shifting results, raw novelty, and [...]

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3 pillars every organization/team must address for effective innovation

Posted on08. Jun, 2008 by Jeff Dance.

People, Process, and Technology are essential pillars for effective Innovation in any organization/team and each must be addressed separately and integrated collectively to assure innovative results

What’s included in People? People includes the rewards and incentives, environment and culture, leadership and examples.
Companies have long boxed innovation into the R&D department. Not until recently have companies [...]

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7 key sources and 7 key ingredients CENTRIC to Innovation

Posted on03. Jun, 2008 by Jeff Dance.

7 key sources and 7 key ingredients CENTRIC TO Innovation

C: Creatives and Creativity: You may be born creative…many are. Or you may learn creativity…many do. Either way, the art of “new” starts with you.
E: Entrepreneurs and Enthusiasm: Entrepreneurs have long been known for Innovation. An entrepreneur’s secret ingredient–an undying enthusiasm [...]

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What is Innovation? 30+ definitions lead to one fresh summary

Posted on22. May, 2008 by Jeff Dance.

What is Innovation? 30+ definitions lead to one fresh summary: Fresh Thinking that Creates Value
The Problem
From the Economist to Wikipedia to Websters to Barack Obama to Innovation Zen, around the globe, we seek tangible answers for an intangible question: What is Innovation? Definitions vary and people mean different things. After reviewing dozens of definitions [...]

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