Definitions
It seems there are almost as many definitions of the term innovation as there are organisations wishing to ensure its dissemination and widespread adoption as a guiding business principle. Below is just a small sample of definitions from various sources throughout the world:
Oxford English Dictionary online (link here)
… the action or process of innovating … a new method, idea, product, etc …
Cambridge Dictionary online (link here)
… (the use of) a new idea or method …
Merriam-Webster Dictionary online (link here)
… the introduction of something new …a new idea, method, or device …
UK Government (Department of Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) (link here)
… Innovation is the successful exploitation of new ideas. These ideas improve the way we do things and the things we make: the things that allow a business to remain competitive. Some ideas are small and iterative; others can create an entire paradigm shift. Evidence shows that businesses that have the awareness to continually create, evaluate and successfully exploit their new ideas are more likely to survive and prosper in the competitive global economy. …
Business Canada (link here)
... Innovation is the process whereby ideas for new (or improved) products, processes or services are developed and commercialised in the marketplace. The process of innovation affects the whole business - not just specific products, services or technologies. ...
Australian Government review of the national innovation system (link here)
… If we are going to influence innovation outcomes …, we need an active appreciation of the dynamic processes associated with innovation that lead to change. Thus we can describe innovating and being innovative as the creative problem solving designed to produce practical outcomes. The outcome of this process is the introduction of novel solutions to real problems, needs or opportunities.
There are three facets to innovation:
- the origination of new knowledge and ideas – knowledge production;
- the deployment of ideas within a real world context – knowledge application; and
- the diffusion of this applied knowledge and its adaptation in use – knowledge diffusion and absorption.
These elements combine to form a virtuous and open-ended cycle of learning and responsiveness to new inputs and challenges. …
Australian Research Council (ARC) (link here)
... Innovation is the process that translates knowledge into economic growth and social well-being. It encompasses a series of scientific, technological, organisational, financial and commercial activities. Research is only one of these activities and may be carried out at different phases of the innovative process. ...
Queensland Government (Australia) – smart state strategy (link here)
... Innovation is the process of converting knowledge and ideas into better ways of doing business or into new or improved products and services that are valued by the community. The innovation process incorporates research and development, commercialisation and technology diffusion. ...
Recent/current governmees and papers on innovation
Reflecting its recognition as a key factor in the performance of modern economies, innovation has been the focus of numerous government enquiries and reports around the world over recent years. Just a few examples are as follows:
European Union
Putting Knowledge Into Practice: A Broad-Based Innovation Strategy For The EU (Sep 2006) (link here)
… legitimate concerns must be turned into an opportunity to enhance Europe’s global economic competitiveness. The quicker it can react, the higher the chance of success and the greater prospect that its approach will serve as a global model. From the protection of the environment through eco-innovation to the improvement of individual well-being through more intelligent infrastructure provision, the Commission is convinced that innovation in a broad sense is one of the main answers to citizens’ material concerns about their future. …
US Department of Commerce
Innovation Measurement – Tracking The State Of Innovation In The American Economy (link here)
In January 2008, the Advisory Committee on Measuring Innovation in the 21st Century Economy presented a report to the US Secretary of Commerce. The committee comprised, inter alia, the CEOs and/or chairmen of Microsoft, 3M, Medtronic, UPS, Wal-Mart and IBM. The report offered as comprehensive, and as timely, a definition of the term innovation as can be found among international government agencies:
... The design, invention, development and/or implementation of new or altered products, services, processes, systems, organisational structures, or business models for the purpose of creating new value for customers and financial returns for the firm. ...
Australian Government review of the national innovation system (link here)
A major review of the Australian national innovation system was announced by the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research in the new government in January 2008.
