7 Essential characteristics of innovation

Innovation is any change that involves a novelty, improvement, solution, simplification or adaptation of what already exists. It is associated with the idea of ​​progress and well-being.

An innovation can affect technical, material or even conceptual aspects and generally brings about a considerable improvement in life on a social, economic, cultural or technological level.

Below we will discuss and exemplify the 7 essential characteristics that every innovation must have.

Innovation is change

To innovate is always to change: to make the existing something new, improve it, modify it, adapt it, simplify it. You can change a process, a method, a format, an instrument, a product, a material.

An example of innovative change is the electronic reader (or e-reader ), which allows you to read and store a gigantic library in the palm of your hand thanks to the electronic book (also known as an e-book ). And it was just a change of format: from the paper book to the digital book.

Innovation is improvement

Any innovation must also be an improvement over what previously existed. Many aspects are an improvement, either because they save time, make a process more effective or easier, reduce costs, or because its environmental impact is less, etc.

An innovation in this regard has been provided by the smartphone, which combines a number of functions: music player, camera, web browser, calculator, notebook and, of course, it still serves as a phone.

Innovation is a solution

Innovating also involves solving unnecessarily complex problems or situations to make our lives easier.

The creation of the GPS (or global positioning system) is an example of this. Gone are complicated route and coordinate maps; Now it is possible to travel a good part of the world without getting lost with this system.

Innovation is simplification

Achieving simplify processes is another of the challenges of innovation. Saving energy and time in steps, processes or methods that are not fundamental is another of the key characteristics of an innovation.

An example of simplification is internet search engines, which allow us to navigate cyberspace without being overwhelmed by the overabundance of information. Google, in this sense, has an advanced search system that classifies the information we seek according to its usefulness, quality, and suitability for our interests.

Innovation is making it easier

Innovating is therefore solving problems and simplifying processes, and this also means making everything easier for people.

For example, the arrival of touch screens now allow us to use our electronic devices (phones, tablets, computers) directly and intuitively, without requiring a long user manual for it.

Innovation is adaptability

Innovating also implies adapting to new realities. The world is constantly changing, and so are our daily needs.

An example of adaptation is the manufacture of electrically powered cars, which are not only kinder to the environment, but prevent potential future shortages of hydrocarbons.

Innovation is progress

Innovation, in short, implies changing, improving, solving, facilitating and simplifying processes, methods, tasks, all of which can be summed up in progress for society: the possibility of doing more with less and having a better life than in the past.

An example of progress brought about by innovation is the so-called Ford Revolution, which involved the possibility of mass-producing a product as complex as a car, lowering costs and making it accessible to everyone.

See also:

• Innovation. 10 examples of innovations that changed the world. The 9 most surprising technological innovations.