The Alchemy of Innovation: Perspectives from the Leading Edge - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 190429801X ISBN 13: 9781904298014

Publisher: Spiro Press, 2002

Synopsis

Based on the real-life, practical experiences of a range of leading organisations and individuals, this engaging, thought-provoking book brings together ideas, insights, tools and techniques to help you meet the challenge of innovation. It is provided with case studies from Nortel, Unilever and Anglian Water amongst others. Combining powerful ideas with practical example, "The Alchemy of Innovation" is an inspiring and informative read - and an invaluable guide. This book will be of interest and use to senior managers, directors and leaders of innovation throughout the organisation. The Foreword is given by: James Dyson.

About this title

From the Author

'Innovation' - the word of the moment. Yet how many of our organisations manage innovation successfully?

I've always thought of work as creative. All work is about bringing something into existence that wasn't there before: a new product or service, perhaps; but also a tidy filing system or a clean floor. Yet, with the growth of industrialisation - and its half-brother, bureaucracy - innovation has become the province of the maverick: the lone individual battling the system and winning out against all the odds.

I think innovation is too important to be left to the mavericks. But most of our organisations exist, not to innovate, but to do the same things repeatedly and to a high standard. And so the question arises: how can we organise people to innovate?

This book starts with the idea that innovation results from a constellation of activities: research and development, marketing, project management, teamwork, knowledge management, training. Innovation is born of a creative culture and an organisation that builds learning into its core processes. It's the alchemy between all these different elements that makes organised innovation a possibility.

I've gathered a group of talented and wise people to explore innovation from these different viewpoints. And I've added some material of my own, putting innovation into context as an organisational activity - and as a fundamental feature of our humanity.

For me, this book was a journey of exploration. I didn't realise until I'd finished it that it marks the beginning of a much longer journey. I hope you enjoy the process of discovery as much as I have.

Edition details

• Publisher: Spiro Press
• Publication date: 2002
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 190429801X
• ISBN 13: 9781904298014
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 225
• Editor: Barker Alan