Innovation
Definition
Innovation refers to a value-creating change, not merely a new idea.
Innovation, as used here in the Baldrige understanding, means a significant change that improves products, processes, organization, or societal well-being and increases value for stakeholders.
Simply explained
Like a redesigned workstation that solves an actual problem. A differently painted table is not sufficient just because it looks different.
Why it matters in practice
In a project, the intended benefit for the affected stakeholders should be explicitly described and later examined.
Example from business
Possible example: A company tests a newly designed complaint process and investigates whether it actually improves the previously identified problem.
Limits and pitfalls
- The cited definition requires a significant improvement with a value reference. Novelty or the use of AI alone does not yet fulfill this description.
Origin & history
The 2022 updated Baldrige glossary distinguishes innovation as an activity and innovations as its results.
Use in mid-sized companies
- Possible application areas include the evaluation of technical projects and the design of organizational processes, each with explicitly described benefits.
Frequently asked questions
Must innovation be a new technology?
The definition used also includes processes and organization.
Is an idea already the result?
The glossary distinguishes the activity from its results.
Sources
- Baldrige Key Terms · NIST (2022): Baldrige Key Terms
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