The central contribution of the small

Eric von Hippel, author of Democratizing Innovation, puts it this way:

" . . . to say an innovation is minor is not the same as saying it is trivial: minor innovations are cumulatively responsible for much or most technical progress."

This is why it is important to manage the numerous ideas that emerge from the chaos in business, and anybody can be a source of these ideas: Respect.

There's room for improvement everywhere, both on the value side and the efficency side. Improving the value side involves adding "something," but it can also require "removing" stuff that isn't particlarly valued. Challenge number 1: What is it that is really valued by customers? And what don't they care about? (deep customer insight)

Easier said than done of course, but at least we're thinking about it! Innovation: "The profitable implementation of ideas" or, if you don't like the p-word: "The implementation of ideas that are valued."

innovation management in Asia