Defining Technological Innovation

 Defining Technological Innovation 

This chapter focuses on the development of definitions in the fields of technology, innovation, and technological innovation. These definitions serve to qualify the assumptions made later in the thesis, as well as setting some boundaries to the innovation audit. Management practises for innovation and technology are covered as well, since they influence the innovation audit procedures. The importance of innovation in creating competitive advantage and improving organisational growth cannot be understated. Appendix A in the addendum contains four viewpoints on how 'gurus' in the field of innovation perceive its importance. Toffler 1 offers his views on the future and what it holds for business, while Drucke~ identifies the world population contraction as a serious threat. Burgelman3 and Moss Kanter4 offer inSights into strategic aspects and generating growth for the future. It is useful to develop a sound understanding of the dynamics of technology and innovation to be able to audit their respective characteristics. Since different types of innovation are possible, the boundaries to the innovation audit become important. Deciding between radical and incremental innovation can radically alter the questions asked in .the innovation audit. Making an informed decision on the type of innovation, as well as the scope of the audit, is therefore only possible through knowledge of innovation and technology and the management of both these disciplines The word 'innovative' is much too often used indiscriminately by the media and general public alike. This can often create the wrong impression and understanding of its real meaning. A technological innovation for instance, is not as many people believe, concemed specifically with computers or electronic products such as cellular telephones or international networks. Neither does technological innovation only occur in complex products, processes or s~stems. Technological innovation does not have to be complex, but it has to be new 0 and aim to implement the technology it embodies, in the marketplace.

 Defining Technological Innovation 

To define innovation one might return to the Latin Origin of the word. Innovation or 'innovare', which means 'to make something new', leads to several conclusions of its deeper meaning. The Latin concept is quite cryptic and can be better understood when divided into three parts. To make something new one has to: • Generate or realise a new idea (invention and creativity) • Develop this idea into a reality or product (realisation) • Implement and market this new idea (implementation) The Yo make something new' refers to replacing old concepts or products with new ones, continually updating and improving them. When introducing a concept such as  technology into the meaning of innovation, and defining the term 'Technological Innovation', the following changes to the above occur: • Generate or realise a new idea, based on technology, capability or knowledge (Invention) • Develop this into a reality or product (realisation) • Diffuse, implement and market this new idea, technology, capability or knowledge (implementation) Thus technological innovation is a part of the total innovation discipline. It focuses specifically on technology and how to embody it successfully in products, services and processes. Technology as a body of knowledge might thus be seen as a building block for technological innovation, serving as comerstone to research, design, development, manufacturing and marketing. Other definitions of technological innovation may be found in literature, yet they all make some reference to Invention, realisation, or Implementation.

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