Organizations would do well to practice intentional innovation. Intentional innovation is the opposite of accidental innovation. More often than not, accidental innovation is the traditional method of practice.
Intentional innovation means the constant monitoring of seven sources of innovative opportunity.
The Seven Sources of Innovation
The four inside innovation sources are:
- The unexpected—the unexpected success, the unexpected failure, and the unexpected outside event.
- The incongruity—the mismatch with reality as it really is and as it is assumed to be or “ought” to be.
- The necessity—the innovation based on process need.
- The “out-of-left-field” change—changes in industry structure or market structure that catch everyone unawares.
The three outside innovation sources are:
- New demographics—changes in population.
- New memes—changes in perception, mood, or meaning.
- New knowledge—changes in scientific and non-scientific understanding.
Intentional Innovation Suggestions
Suggestions that will help jump start the practice of intentional innovation:
- Designate an innovation officer.
- Put innovation on the agenda for regular discussion.
- Discuss all seven sources.
- Budget for innovation.
Conclusion
The practice of innovation is the most important that organizations can do to create openings for success. Contrary to tradition, innovation can be planned and monitored. Intentional innovation is the constant monitoring of seven sources of innovation.
Obviously there is much more to say about intentional innovation. I just wanted to get you started.
Get intentional about innovation.