Business Innovation

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation whilst innovation can be defined as idea selection, development and commercialisation.

There are other useful definitions in this field, for example, creativity can be defined as consisting of a number of ideas, a number of diverse ideas and a number of novel ideas.

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.

Value versus Quality

Most firms attempt to add value to their products or services in order to increase sales and prestige. However, few appreciate the difference between value and quality. But by doing so, they can more finitely increase their options for adding both value and quality.

a) Quality is directly related to the product itself. A firm can increase a product