Institutional innovation programmes often fail due to a lack of understanding of the innovation process. Many organisations wrongly perceive innovation as a linear, predictable process, when in reality it’s a complex, chaotic and non-linear process. This misconception often leads to the creation of innovation labs, which are designed to control and manage innovation, but they often stifle it instead.

Another common mistake is the belief that innovation can be bought. Many organisations invest in start-ups, hoping to acquire innovation, but this approach rarely works because innovation is a process, not a product.

Innovation also requires a culture of experimentation and learning from failure, which many organisations lack. They focus on efficiency and stability, which are the enemies of innovation.

Finally, many organisations fail to realise that innovation requires a network of diverse individuals and groups. They try to centralise innovation in one department or team, which limits the spread of ideas and stifles creativity.

To succeed in innovation, organisations need to understand that it’s a complex, unpredictable process that requires a culture of experimentation, a network of diverse individuals, and a willingness to learn from failure.

Go to source article: https://medium.nobl.io/what-every-institutional-innovation-program-gets-wrong-8943fdee9fce#.3rt8blmt9