Innovation Management: What Problem Is Being Solved?

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation whilst innovation can be defined as idea selection, development and commercialisation.

There are distinct processes that enhance problem identification and idea generation and, similarly, distinct processes that enhance idea selection, development and commercialisation. Whilst there is no sure fire route to commercial success, these processes improve the probability that good ideas will be generated and selected and that investment in developing and commercialising those ideas will not be wasted.

Franklin (2003) reported that many innovations fail due to a lack of focus. This sentiment is echoed by Doug Richards (Words of wisdom from the dragon's mouth, Financial Times, 7th May 2005) a venture capitalist who stated that what he really wants to know is what problem the product solves. This stresses the often overlooked but important part of the creativity and innovation process ? problem identification.

Ask twenty different people what the problem is and you will likely get twenty different answers. Each answer opens up a pathway that can be explored for ideas.

Taking time to identify problems exactly decreases misunderstandings, increases awareness of multiple dimensions, enhances interpersonal relationships and allows all opinions to be heard.

Developing and commercialising products addressed to specific problems reduces the occurrence of failure and the related cost. Further, it saves the cost of having to retrace steps and re-engineer.

These topics are covered in depth in the MBA dissertation on Managing Creativity & Innovation, which can be purchased (along with a Creativity and Innovation DIY Audit, Good Idea Generator Software and Power Point Presentation) from http://www.managing-creativity.com.

You can also receive a regular, free newsletter by entering your email address at this site.

You are free to reproduce this article as long as no changes are made and the author's name and site URL are retained.

Kal Bishop is a management consultant based in London, UK. He has consulted in the visual media and software industries and for clients such as Toshiba and Transport for London. He has led Improv, creativity and innovation workshops, exhibited artwork in San Francisco, Los Angeles and London and written a number of screenplays. He is a passionate traveller. He can be reached on http://www.managing-creativity.com

---

Effective Email Communication

Email, when used properly, can generate additional direct sales and... Read More

You Cant Afford the Luxury of Disengaged Employees

In today's business environment with increases in staff reductions and... Read More

Pricing Strategy for Retail Flower Shops

When you create your profit and loss statement to assess... Read More

Getting Your Employees Attention Back to Work

It is 9:00 am on a Monday morning. Do you... Read More

Why We Judge

Judgment is the process of forming an opinion of something... Read More

Diversity in the Workplace

As you look around your office, is everyone just like... Read More

Driving of work trucks

Each time you or one of your work crews cruises... Read More

The Leadership Imperative: Making Your Leadership Your Life

Nearly all leaders I've encountered are underachievers. They're getting a... Read More

Make the Most of Your Time - Focus on Strengths

Once working and focused in tune with what they do... Read More

Entitlement Programs Kill Productivity

In articles I've written over the years, I have used... Read More

Micromanagement and Delegation

Micro-Management and Delegation ... Read More

Focus and Shoot

One of my earliest childhood memories is watching Lew Alcindor... Read More

This Old Business

Not long ago I was asked to come out and... Read More

Leaning Toward Change

Seduced by the publicity surrounding the impact of Lean on... Read More

The DNA of Motivation

It really is about motivation. After all, what impels someone... Read More

Corporate Governance for Business Owners

It is clear that good Corporate Governance is in the... Read More

How to Fire an Employee

One of the most difficult tasks you will face as... Read More

Managing Employees Is A Little Like Herding Cats

Q: I started my small business about a year ago... Read More

How To Use W Edwards Deming

Human beings and the way they interact are extraordinarily Complex.... Read More

Effective Ways to Give Performance Feedback

Consequences of Not Giving Effective FeedbackLet's take a look at... Read More

Boost Your Leadership Skills Simply By Answering The Question, What Does Our Organization Really...

The difference between leaders is ears. Good leaders not only... Read More

How to Build Your Business and Still Take Time Off

We all know people who are like human dynamos. They... Read More

Does Your State Like To Keep Your Workers Compensation Secrets Hidden?

Workers compensation secrets are hidden deep within piles and piles... Read More

Office Politics

Office politics! It's just another way of saying: "The employees... Read More

Small Business Checking Accounts

ACCOUNTING AND BILLINGCHECK BOOKSWe recommend that you maintain a business... Read More

Focus on Outcomes to Keep Your Business On-Course

Did you know that an airplane in flight is off... Read More

3 Tests To Hire The Best

Question: What's the easiest, cheapest and quickest way to have... Read More

The Narcissist in the Workplace

To a narcissist-employer, the members of his "staff" are Secondary... Read More

10 Ways To Maintain Profits In A Slow Economy

1. Sell more back end products to your existing customer... Read More

Conquering the Number One Problem in Business--Poor Communication

The Number One problem in business is poor communication: between... Read More

Delegation - The Basic Steps To Reducing Your Workload And Creating A Successful Team

If you have a task greater than you can handle... Read More

Middle Managers Behaving Badly ? How To Stop This Damaging Your Results

More and more I hear and read about a looming... Read More

Take the Easy Route - Delegate

It was 2.30 am. It was cold and dark and... Read More