Innovation may be defined as the use and exploitation of new ideas leading to the birth of new products, processes, or services. It doesn’t end in inventing a new concept, but in bringing the idea to market and harnessing it in a way that leads to added value or better quality. Here are some reasons innovation remains a cornerstone of business survival and success.
The competition is watching
Even small businesses today have a good online presence, and they are keeping abreast of trends and developments in technology and the marketplace. There’s no choice but to innovate and see what else can be done to keep up in the game and in fact emerge as the leader in the industry. In fact, innovation gives companies an edge in penetrating markets faster and providing better connections to developing markets, leading to bigger growth opportunities.
It fuels organizational growth
When a business has an innovative culture and spirit, it grows easily and attracts and retains the talent it needs. Innovation also significantly affects productivity and growth, as well as the resolve of everyone in the organization to make things work.
It future-proofs the business
Creativity is linked to innovation, and coming up with fresh, innovative ideas and solutions will bring the business to its desired future. This takes on greater importance in light of the emergence of new technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning where machines can take away a lot of the functions people can perform. How a company differentiates itself from machines through innovation will be very critical.
Peter Zieve is an inventor and innovator with 23 patents. He is also the founder and CEO of aerospace automation company Electroimpact, Inc. For similar reads, click here.