Business Innovation in the 21st Century
Demand for innovation in the consumer goods industry is challenging current innovation models and paradigms. Praveen Gupta, author and founding editor, International Journal of Innovation Science, has developed the Breakthrough Innovation (Brinnovation™) framework to make the innovation process more efficient, pervasive, predictable and profitable. Here, he previews his latest book:The purpose of “Business Innovation in the 21st Century” is to provide a comprehensive coverage of innovation-related processes and a new framework of innovation — a framework that is suitable for the Internet generation and the knowledge age. The goal of developing such a framework is to facilitate standardization of the innovation process so that results can be more predictable and innovation can be produced on demand.
The expectation of mass customization may even require innovation on demand in real time. This expectation is a future “game” that business will have to play. Business, therefore, must participate in this knowledge innovation to make an impact. When a customer wants innovation on demand, a business must be prepared to meet that need. Innovation depends on being creative on the spot. Innovation is applied creativity. The urge to learn more about the methods of innovation has existed for quite some time.
The book is divided in three parts:
Part I: Evolving Innovation looks into the historical aspects of evolutionary innovation, current or conventional tools and techniques, and future needs. The purpose of Part I is to bring the knowledge of innovation as an art up to date.
Part II: Understanding Innovation presents the new understanding of innovation and the innovation process in the knowledge age. Part II expands the knowledge of innovation and introduces it as a science.
Part III: Institutionalize Innovation focuses on the implementation of various aspects of innovation in order to generate value. The purpose of Part III is to learn methods of adapting innovation in various organizations.
The contributors in the book come from a variety of backgrounds, including human resources, information technology, law, banking leadership and an innovator. Their rich experience is reflected in their chapters. To top it all, an interview with Bob Galvin, former chairman and chief executive officer of Motorola, shared his innovation practices in the book. Under Galvin’s leadership, Motorola implemented sound innovation processes and realized significant growth.
Innovation occurs in our brains, working in a networked environment, so we must allow time for the brain to absorb new knowledge, build anchors and develop speedy innovations. Everyone can be innovatively innovative. Go for it!
About the AuthorPraveen Gupta (www.praveengupta.net) is a Director of Center for Innovation Science and Applications at IIT School of Applied Technology. His company, Accelper Consulting, in collaboration with Illinois Institute of Technology, offers training and certification programs in innovation. He is also founding editor of
International Journal of Innovation Science.