Can Johnny Innovate?

Innovation consultant and occasional blogger Jim Belfiore is teasing us with “Why Johnny Can’t Innovate.”  In this post, Jim promises to deliver us some interesting insights into the challenges that keep engineers and designers from become successful practitioners of repeatable innovation methods.

Six key factors are introduced:

• lack of incentive
• lack of time
• lack of domain knowledge
• lack of innovation skills experience
• lack of simple access to critical information
• lack of vision (i.e. not looking beyond the immediate need)

These are certainly some interesting problems to consider.  I have had the pleasure of knowing Jim for five years now, and we regularly talk about what we are seeing in the landscape of commercial innovation practice.  So, it is with that understanding of Jim’s experience that I am expecting his series to be very interesting, and I am waiting for the first installment.

Of course, thinking about these issues makes me want to ask all of you a question.  What do you see as the greatest innovation challenge that you see on a regular basis?  Let’s hear it.  Inquiring minds want to know.

Comments

[Jim Belfiore]

Thanks, Jim. I've already been told by several readers that it needs to be pointed out that, in the picture, I'm the one on the right.

The face on the left belongs to Teg, one my Welsh Terriers.

While observing barriers to innovation, I have also noticed that dogs have a unique ability to creatively solve problems. (They certainly seem unencumbered by constraints.)

[Sobana Iyengar]

I do agree with Jim that creative innovations are possible only without constraints.

Innovation also follows the law of entropy. There is always a period of silence or the absorption of the existing technology. Usually, there is a splurge of linked innovations/ideas when a new concept comes. Be it in the areas of transportation, communication or Life sciences. There is always one unique innovative idea that triggers waves of innovation. For example, ARPANET is the parent for thousands of innovative ideas that came up in this e-Age. What next is always the question.

Do we need technology innovation in the area of Space travel, building Eco friendly environmnet, eradicate poverty and illiteracy?

But history tell us that great innovations happen when a heart is full of passion, a mind that is focused, a sharp intelligence to achieve and promote the idea.

[James Todhunter]

Hi Sobana, and welcome to the blog!

It is true that there are innovation cycles. When that right confluence of information occurs that allows a new synthesis of knowledge to advance the art forward, there is always a flurry of activity as fast followers explore the potential of the new territory.

However, be careful in thinking that innovation is only possible without constraints. Constraints are in fact an important catalyst for innovative thought. Without constraints, there is no problem. Without problems, there is no motivation to innovate.

Look to your constraints not as an excuse to do nothing, but as an opportunity to innovate.