In recent years, innovation has become an increasingly common concept, with more and more people, companies and practices being identified as innovative.
- "Given that the terms have become somewhat watered down, it is very good that there are now ISO standards in the field," says Erik Tosterud, Innovation Manager and Business Developer at Dalarna Science Park.
Erik has devoted much of the last six years to innovation management and is deeply committed to the subject. In addition to his employment at Dalarna Science Park, he is hired for assignments and training in innovation management around Europe.
- A common misconception is that innovation is the same as continuous improvement or that it is mostly about creativity. But innovation is more complex than that and at the same time much more powerful, says Erik, who here helps to clarify the concepts.
Nine questions on innovation - and the expert's answers
What is an innovation?
- The short definition is "something new that creates value". The longer definition is "something new or different that creates or redistributes value".
If a service or product does not create value or can generate new value, it is not considered an innovation. However, the idea does not have to be completely new, it can also be a further development of something that already exists.
Why do many innovation initiatives fail?
- Usually because the right conditions are missing. For example, if management wants the whole organization to become more innovative, it is not enough to encourage employees to think and act in new ways. Nor is it possible to launch an innovation project and push for quick results. Studies also show that innovation efforts are often fragmented and lack common methods and tools. It is also common that the knowledge available in different parts of the organization does not interact when it comes to innovation issues.
So what does it take to succeed - what is the recipe for success?
- The right conditions in terms of skills, systems and leadership. You can compare this to sending a group out into a dark forest and asking them to find an orientation control. What are the chances that they will succeed? Of course, if you provide the group with lights and a map, the probability of success increases. Similarly, with innovation processes: give participants a system to work from, an understanding of the processes and make sure they have the right support, from start to finish, and positive things will happen.
What organizational culture is needed?
- In Sweden, we are very focused on quality and efficiency, which has really done wonders for us. But at the same time, these logics are something of opposites to those needed to create innovations. A quality leader often strives to eliminate ambiguities to maximize the efficiency of established processes. An innovation leader, on the other hand, needs to explore and experiment in the unknown, backed by a solid system and expertise of course. We will continue with quality and efficiency, but to increase our innovative power, we also need a culture that promotes the creation of new insights. By that I mean a culture where we think smartly about thoughts we haven't thought before and ask questions we didn't know we needed to ask.
What is innovation management?
- Innovation projects always involve a degree of uncertainty. You need to venture into uncharted territory and there is no predefined path, which can be very scary. This is where an innovation leader can provide structure and help the organization move forward, even in tricky situations. The innovation manager also knows which competences are important at different stages of the process and can use project resources effectively.
Why is the ISO 56000 series important?
- Because it sets clear requirements and gives legitimacy to the innovation process and to the role of innovation leader. Backed by nearly 15 years of work by experts from over 30 countries, the ISO 56000 series is the world's most robust and thorough set of materials to guide us in becoming systematically better at creating new and valuable solutions.
Is innovation leader a protected title?
- No, they haven't. There have been innovation leaders in Sweden for quite some time and they have a varied background. But more and more innovation leaders are trained and certified according to the ISO standard. Soon, entire organizations will be able to certify themselves (see ISO 56001).
My organization wants to become more innovative - how do we take the first step?
- Take the step now instead of waiting for the right time later. Here at Dalarna Science Park, we have a range of events, programs and contacts that can take you further. Another tip is to take a closer look at the ISO 56000 series, there is a lot to learn. And if you're thinking of hiring consultants and trainers, ask first if they are based on the ISO 56000 series and ask to see reference projects.
Does Dalarna need more innovation?
- Yes, indeed! Without new and valuable solutions, we cannot create a sustainable future and solve the challenges of our time. Evolving and moving in unfamiliar territory can be uncomfortable, we don't want to be lost. And when the world is uncertain, we like to go back home and do what we have always done, it feels safe. But we have to help each other not to do that, and to keep exploring new paths and asking new questions, so we can move forward together and keep building a region where many more new, disruptive and valuable solutions are created and spread.
Innovation management according to the 56000 series
Here is a movie where Erik Tosterud makes a short introduction to Innovation Management according to ISO 56000. The movie is 45 minutes and recorded during Dalarna Innovation Days 2024.
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