What is innovation?

Innovation shouldn't be something that is done for its own sake, done properly it includes:

• New ways of doing something – but on its own this isn't enough,
• Innovation also means Ideas applied successfully, and
• Positive change leading to increased value

Genuine innovation results in lasting improvements.
 
Achieving innovation is actually a process, starting with:

• Business leaders understanding what is possible, 
• Leading to a menu of potential changes which are then costed
• Against which the business benefits of each change can be assessed
• Saying how achievement of benefits will be measured
• Ending with a prioritised list of changes with the cost, benefit and measurement understood by all
• Then whenever plans are altered the cost/ benefit and measurement assumptions are re-examined.

It usually helps if someone external helps you through the process, which is what I do.