According to the Oxford Dictionary, the origin of the word innovation comes from Latin in the mid 16th century.
Innovat refers to something that is renewed or altered.
The verb innovare, combines in – “into” and novare “make new”.
In other words innovation refers to creating something new by renewing or altering something already in existence.
One of the most commonly cited definitions of innovation comes from West and Farr (1989) who define innovation as
…the intentional introduction and application within a role, group, or organization of ideas, processes, products, or procedures new to a relevant unit of adoption, designed to significantly benefit the individual, the group, the organization or wider society.
The process of innovation has multiple phases which include creativity as well.
Initially described by Amabile (1983), the process of innovation includes problem identification, idea generation, idea evaluation, and implementation.
The first 3 phases of the innovation process including problem identification, idea generation, and idea evaluation align with creativity.
The addition of the 4th phases, implementation, leads to innovation.
Creativity can exist without innovation but innovation cannot exist without creativity.
In this context, creativity involves identifying a problem and generating and evaluating ideas to solve that problem.
We’ve all heard that ideas are worth nothing without execution.
Uber began as an idea. They solved the problem of knowing when your taxi would arrive, amongst other things.
The mobile phone (as we know it today) began as an idea. It solved the problem of having to carry a phone, computer, camera and many other bulky and heavy things at the same time.
Airbnb began as an idea. They provided an opportunity for home owners to make additional income while providing guests with unique stays in different locations.
Everything around you began as an idea. Some individuals take those ideas and take actions to create the world around us.
Now some of you may be thinking, what about art?
Does art fall under creativity or innovation? Well it depends…..
If we go back to the definition of creativity above, does art solve a problem?
In some cases art might solve a problem.
For example, pottery is a form of art. Often people who do pottery make plates, cups, and bowls. In this case pottery solves the problem of providing vessels that can be used to conveniently hold food and other items. But, if people keep making the same kinds of plates and bowls, without new uses or improvements, then pottery is not innovative. It may be more aligned with production and each piece may have unique artistic designs.
What about fashion? Fashion is a form of art. Does it solve a problem? Fashion is tied to clothing. Clothing keeps us warm and stops us from walking around naked. So, yes, fashion solves a problem.
Fashion also leads to innovative fabrics that are lightweight, cooling, or waterproof. Athletic footwear can help us jump higher or run faster.
What about fine art paintings? It depends. They could solve a problem. They could act as unique decoration pieces for the home or other environments but I’m really stretching the definition here.
Art can get tricky because some people can be very creative and innovative with their art forms. I have a past client who is a sculptor and can do anything from high end set-design to carving a dining table.
Other people are technically talented but less creative with their art forms.
The key questions to ask, “does your idea solve a problem?” If not, it’s more likely a form of creativity tied to art and less likely a form of creativity that leads to innovation.
Most arts and crafts do not meet the definition of innovative. You may be one of the exceptions with a unique product that solves a problem. That would be innovative!
One of my clients designed a smooth ceramic pause button that can help people find calm. It can also be used as part of their meditation practice. As far as we know, nothing like this exists. She is innovative.
As you read this, you may recognize that you have many ideas that can solve one big, or many smaller problems, that are complimentary to your business.
If you’re wonder what to prioritize or where to begin so you can innovate and scale your profits, CLICK HERE to watch a complimentary training that will help you learn more.
