How to Innovate

History Reveals Innovation Needs Play [TED Talk Video]

Invention and innovation are closely linked concepts – invention is the creation of new ideas while innovation the application of those new ideas in new ways. Innovation is the life-blood of businesses big and small; you must consistently innovate to remain competitive in the marketplace.

A common misconception surrounding both invention and innovation is that they are children of necessity. Inventors invent things when they’re needed. Businesses innovate when they have no other choice. … Or do they?

In reality, both invention and innovation have a strong foundation in play. Take Google for example: they infamously give employees 20% of their time to work on new ideas – to play around with passion projects and try different creative endeavors. These projects aren’t based on necessity, they’re based on play. And this strategy works! Some of Google’s best innovations have come from this 20% time, like Google News and even Gmail.

A recent TED Talk by Steven Johnson, science author and media theorist, explores how many of our most transformative ideas – including computers – have come out of play. As he says:

“The playful state of mind is fundamentally exploratory, seeking out new possibilities in the world around us. And that seeking is why so many experiences that started with simple delight and amusement eventually led us to profound breakthroughs.”

We encourage you to watch the 7 minute video at the top of this post and get your wheels turning about how you can encourage innovation through play in your business.

Innovators Alliance is a peer-to-peer networking group of CEOs committed to driving business growth through innovation. Become a member!

Is your company innovative? Try our Innovator Self-Test. It has only 10 questions and takes less than 2 minutes!

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Peggie Pelosi

Peggie Pelosi is the Executive Director of Innovators Alliance. She works with entrepreneurs and CEOs throughout Ontario to ensure they have access to the tools and resources to ensure profitable growth through innovation. Peggie is a seasoned entrepreneur and innovator, having built two companies which have both been game-changers in their industries. Peggie teaches in the space of Social Innovation in graduate business programs at the University of Toronto-St. Michael’s College and Seneca College.