Quantum Innovation - Some Foundational Thoughts
Posted on January 18, 2008
Filed Under Gregg Gallagher, Innovation |
The term innovation is itself subject to multiple interpretations. My own use of the term is that innovation is applied creativity (a.k.a. “invention”) which provides value to a customer.
Quantum Leaders views the modern company in a manner akin to that of the quantum physicist, who considers light as having the properties of both a particle and a wave. From our standpoint, the organization can be viewed mechanistically, as the sum of all it’s functional components (Marketing, Sales, Operations, Finance, etc.), or organically, as a holistic entity having it’s own purpose, culture and spirit.
My thinking regarding innovation maps to this quantum approach. “Quantum Innovation” has both mechanistic and organic aspects. The mechanistic aspects derive from processes such as product life cycle & portfolio management, primary & secondary market research tools such as surveys, usability testing, etc. The organic aspects are systemic issues such as the creation and nurturing of an innovation culture, creativity, etc..
Companies should develop and execute an innovation strategy which defines and executes specific actions that promote innovation, both from a mechanistic standpoint (e.g. specific processes such as PLM) as well as organically (how the company intends to implement a culture which rewards innovation, creativity, risk-taking, etc..)
Some questions for you to consider:
Do you agree with these definitions of innovation?
If so - why? If not, where do you believe they fall short?
How does you company approach innovation?
Do you have an explicit innovation strategy?
Gregg Gallagher
Director, Strategic Marketing & Innovation Practice
Quantum Leaders, Inc.
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