An introduction to innovation

Innovation is a natural tendency of the human mind to thrive on variety, regardless of the activity involved. All the man-made changes the world has witnessed are the result of this tendency to look for something different. The need to try something else is a prominent human characteristic. When properly directed, this drive can have results that improve the quality of an activity. A positive result of this drive to be different is called innovation. There is no end to new ideas in the world, but when these ideas create value, it becomes innovation. Quite often, it is the application of existing knowledge in a different way that stands out as an innovative idea. Usually, one idea gives rise to the next and new technologies, processes and methods emerge. Being innovative involves many risks. Only a person who is willing to take risks is capable of being innovative. Good ideas are useless unless they are implemented, and implementation in a new way always attracts criticism. It is only by being optimistic in the face of the odds that an individual has the opportunity to achieve something unique.

Sometimes innovation is done by taking an existing idea, concept or product and improving it. However, what is most remarkable is being able to think beyond what already exists and create a whole new concept. Mankind has come this far by reaping the benefits of innovative ideas over the centuries. It is the problems that people find that cause them to look for a solution. Of course, there have always been a gifted few who can go beyond the mundane and have brilliant visions. The great scientific inventions that we now take for granted are products of the innovative ideas of great minds.