Just-a-Pause: The Basics Of Innovation

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What is innovation? Where invention refers to the creation of an idea, innovation is in its better use. Where improvement refers to the notion of doing something better, innovation is the notion of doing the same thing differently. That is perhaps where the word "innovation" literally gets its meaning (Latin innovare: to change), or rather it comes from two words, in which in means "into" and novus which means "new." So, to innovate is to "go into the new".

The first commandment of innovation is to have a dream. There is always a way to do things better; finding it - that is innovation. But then again, just because something is new it is not necessarily innovation, if it does not add value or have some sort of impact on the masses. Innovation acts as a conduit to change, and in that, lay its power. We, as part of an ever evolving race and advancing society, have a constant need to do things differently, and in stirring the pot of social systems, innovation is often used as the catalytic ingredient.

The approaches to innovation- a novel way of doing things, makes life comfortable, aids growth, increases efficiency and productivity - and how! Contrary to popular belief, innovations are not only about products. Organizations and business too benefit from innovations to processes, skills and services. However, product is that thin line that separates an idea from innovation; it brings tangibility to a new concept or process.

Interestingly, the essence of innovation is not knowing what is going to be built, what it's going to be called, or how much it's going to cost. Today, our education system has a huge responsibility for churning out innovators. Young curious people should be encouraged to imagine, scrutinize, validate and put things in perspective. And what better time than the holidays, to give a leash to the young creative minds?!

Besides, innovation is a continuous process. Giving today's communication technology as an instance - what Charles Grafton Page called "galvanic music" in 1837, we call "ringtones" today. Serious play is not an oxymoron; it's the essence of innovation. The credit goes to those who were serious about creativity, paid attention and worked hard to convert "just an idea" into an "industry" that has shrunk the world today.

In this case, Innovation is that journey from landlines to cell phones to tablets, and now appears to be oscillating in-between phablets and laplets - an amalgamation of manufacturer's innovation and end-user innovation.

"To innovate" is a powerful verb, where the action turns the mundane into a superlative, and in that, is the "Power of Innovation".