What is Innovation?

This year, I am participating in the Innovation Fellowship through the West Houston Institute at Houston Community College. Friday was our first (virtual) meeting. We discussed some possible definitions and components of innovation. Here are some things we came up with.

Innovation is…

·      Something novel that might change trajectory

·      Producing something beneficial

·      Increasing ambiguity and learning to adapt

·      New and better ways to solve problems

·      Continued adaptation

·      Solving a problem in an unanticipated form

·      Adapting to things not yet understood

·      Looking at puzzle pieces differently to make a new picture

Innovation Components include…

• Diverse Inputs not only of Skills but also of Culture/Community

• Proaction

• Future-focus

• Something beyond simple improvement

I am really looking forward to the rest of my time with the Fellows this year!