To Prof. Metildah ONLY

THE PROCESS OF MANAGING INNOVATION

Just as for technology, there are special tools and decisions within the organization that must occur if innovation is to succeed. Fostering creativity is essential to managing innovation. However, it is more than encouraging individuals to think outside the proverbial box. It includes developing an environment of discovery in the organization.

Delbecq and Mills16 described the characteristics of firms that manage the innovation process well. These firms are characterized by:

1. Separate funds for innovation

2. Periodic reviews of informal proposals by a group outside line management

3. Clear direction on studies to be done and follow-ups that are expected

4. Extensive boundary-spanning activities to learn from others and to gain an understanding of what others are doing

5. Sets of realistic expectations

6. Supportive atmosphere for “debugging” and exploring variations as well as appropriate resources for maintenance and service