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.

However, commercial success is not the only measure of success. One other method of gauging success is the effect on culture and the market is it significant or not? Examples include:

a) Napster so successful it went bust. It influenced Kazaa, whose founders went on to start Skype free international telephone calls for everyone. Forced Telecoms companies to realise that their future revenues will not come from fixed line income but content delivery.

b) Concorde technically superior. Elegant. World famous. Bust.

c) Xerox invented the mouse and graphical user interface. But they didnt invest in its potential.

d) The big Studios didnt see the potential of toy licensing before Star Wars. They learned a big lesson.

e) New Coke. Please dont mess with out cultural icon.

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.

Kal Bishop, MBA

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