Thought Piece: Innovation is bullshit

"Innovation is bullshit." It's a provocative statement, isn't it? One that might make corporate leaders and Silicon Valley gurus choke on their cold brew.

But let's pause for a moment and consider, is there any truth to this audacious claim?

The innovation conundrum

In my book, The LEAP Guide: 4 Steps to Unlock Innovation in the Age of AI, I tackle this very question. The truth is, in today's business landscape, "innovation" has become such a buzzword that it's often reduced to meaningless corporate jargon. Companies trumpet their "innovative solutions" and "disruptive technologies," but how many are truly breaking new ground?

This is where the cynicism creeps in. When every product update or minor efficiency gain is labeled as "innovation," the term loses its power. It's no wonder some industry veterans roll their eyes at the mention of yet another "innovative" initiative.

Beyond the buzzword

But here's the thing, while the term might be overused, true innovation is far from bullshit. At Future Works, we've witnessed firsthand how genuine innovation can transform industries and create immense value.

Take the real estate industry, for example. Traditional real estate companies might claim "innovation" by simply digitizing their listings. But real innovation in this space looks more like proptech solutions that use blockchain for secure, instant property transfers, or AI algorithms that predict market trends with uncanny accuracy.

Or consider the aerospace sector. Innovation here isn't about chasing the next big breakthrough – it's about making smart improvements every step of the way. Yes, we see exciting developments like electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles, but real value often comes from steady progress: better fuel systems, smarter safety features, improved passenger comfort. It's exactly what we talk about in The LEAP Guide – innovation happens through consistent, purposeful steps forward, not just dramatic leaps into the unknown.

Is the AI revolution genuine innovation or just hype?

When it comes to AI transformation, the line between hype and genuine innovation can be blurry. Every company seems to be jumping on the AI bandwagon, slapping "AI-powered" labels on products that barely scratch the surface of machine learning.

But dig deeper, and you'll find examples of AI driving real, transformative change. In manufacturing, AI-driven predictive maintenance is revolutionizing industry 4.0, dramatically reducing downtime and increasing efficiency. In climate tech, AI is optimizing renewable energy systems, bringing us closer to a sustainable future.

Digital transformation, the innovation enabler

So if innovation isn't bullshit, how do we separate the wheat from the chaff? The key lies in understanding that true innovation isn't about the technology itself, but about how it's applied to solve real problems and create value.

This is where digital transformation comes into play. It's not just about digitizing existing processes – it's about reimagining entire business models. A robust digital strategy, coupled with user experience design that truly understands customer needs, can lead to innovations that aren't just novel, but genuinely impactful.

The role of leadership in genuine innovation

Leadership plays a crucial role in fostering real innovation. As I discuss in my book, leaders need to create an environment where experimentation is encouraged and failure is seen as a learning opportunity. This means moving beyond lip service to innovation and actually embedding it into the company culture.

It also means being willing to invest in long-term innovation strategies, even when they don't yield immediate returns. This could involve setting up dedicated innovation labs, partnering with startups, or implementing company-wide initiatives to source ideas from employees at all levels.

From bullshit to brilliance: The LEAP approach

So how do we move from "innovation as bullshit" to "innovation as a driver of real change"? In The LEAP Guide, I outline a framework for meaningful innovation:

1. Locate opportunities for genuine improvement

2. Evaluate these opportunities rigorously

3. Action plan to bring the best ideas to life

4. Progress through rapid prototyping and iteration

This approach ensures that innovation isn't just a buzzword but a systematic process for creating real value.

Innovation is what you make of it

Is innovation bullshit? Like many provocative statements, the truth lies somewhere in the middle. When used as a meaningless buzzword, yes, "innovation" can be bullshit. But genuine innovation – the kind that solves real problems, creates new possibilities, and drives society forward – is anything but.

The challenge for today's leaders is to cut through the noise and focus on innovation that matters. Whether you're in real estate or aerospace, energy or manufacturing, the opportunity for meaningful innovation is there. It's up to you to seize it.

Ready to move beyond the bullshit and drive real innovation in your organization? Dive into The LEAP Guide and discover how to make innovation a powerful force for change in your business. The future belongs to those who can innovate with purpose – are you ready to join them?

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