Different opinions and hypotheses exist regarding the ideal formula for innovation, and all of them can be true. The key problem is that all of this is personal opinion, as even in the most well-known textbooks on change management and innovation, the formulations often diverge. I adhere to modern views on this topic, which are mostly based on experience in product management.

#1: Ideation and Creativity

The first milestone in the innovation formula is the stage of ideation and creativity. This is where the spark of innovation is ignited, and new ideas are generated. It involves encouraging employees to think outside the box, challenging the status quo, and exploring new possibilities. Organizations can foster creativity by providing a supportive and collaborative work environment, organizing brainstorming sessions, and incentivizing employees for their innovative ideas. This milestone is crucial as it serves as the foundation for the entire innovation process.

#2: Prototyping and Testing

Once ideas have been generated, the next milestone in the innovation formula is the stage of prototyping and testing. This is where ideas are transformed into tangible prototypes or minimum viable products (MVPs) to be tested and validated. Prototyping allows organizations to gather valuable feedback, identify potential flaws or improvements, and refine their ideas before investing significant resources in full-scale implementation. By involving customers, stakeholders, and experts in the testing process, organizations can ensure that their innovations are aligned with market needs and expectations.

#3: Implementation and Scaling

The final milestone in the innovation formula is the stage of implementation and scaling. This is where the innovative ideas are brought to life and integrated into the organization’s operations. Successful implementation requires strong leadership, effective project management, and the allocation of appropriate resources. It is important to create a culture that supports and embraces innovation, providing the necessary support and infrastructure for the successful deployment of new ideas. Moreover, organizations need to develop strategies for scaling their innovations, expanding their impact, and maximizing their return on investment.

Eventually

Of course, everything depends on the context. Innovations, like flowers, have different chances of blossoming and turning from a flowerbed on a windowsill into a blooming garden in different regions of our planet. There is no universal formula, but that is the advantage of a discipline like innovation management, as it allows for varying the components until achieving the ideal result.

Sincerely, AJV