Why Innovation has failed?

The Fallacy of Innovation, from negative origins to hollow promises.

Innovation. The word itself evokes a sense of progress, novelty, and excitement. It promises groundbreaking ideas, revolutionary technologies, and transformative change. However, the reality often falls short of these grand expectations. In this article, we delve into the intriguing origins of the word « innovation, » explore its evolution, and uncover the reasons behind its failure to deliver genuine transformation.

The negative beginnings

Surprisingly, the term « innovation » did not always carry positive connotations. Its etymology can be traced back to the Latin word « innovare, » meaning « to make changes » or « to alter » in a bad way. During ancient times, innovation was seen as a disruptive force, challenging established norms and traditions. It was perceived as a threat to stability and the status quo, and consequently, innovation was met with skepticism and resistance.

A shift in perception

Over time, the perception of innovation underwent a significant transformation. As societies advanced and embraced progress, the negative stigma attached to innovation began to wane. The Industrial Revolution marked a turning point, with groundbreaking inventions and technological advancements shaping the modern world. Innovation became associated with positive change and economic growth, shifting from a disruptive force to a symbol of advancement and prosperity.

The rise of innovation hype

With the changing perception of innovation, the term gained momentum, particularly in the latter half of the 20th century. It became a buzzword, fueling the imagination of entrepreneurs, corporations, and governments alike. The allure of innovation led to a rush to be seen as innovative, often at the expense of genuine progress.

Of all the innovation failures, the DeLorean DMC-12 remains the coolest. The DMC-12 never really found a home with car enthusiasts. Because of a costly manufacturing process due to the car’s complicated design and a poor marketing approach lead to slow sales, pushing DeLorean to bankruptcy. Too bad he did not think of transforming it into a Time Machine… 

In recent decades, the word « innovation » has been used and abused to the point of dilution. It has become a marketing tool, employed to create an illusion of progress and differentiation. Companies brandish it as a badge of honor, touting their commitment to innovation without truly embracing meaningful change. Innovation became a buzzword that sells, but often fails to deliver on its promises.

Failure to bring true change

Despite the widespread use of the term, genuine transformative change remains elusive. Many « innovations » are incremental improvements or repackaged ideas, lacking the disruptive impact that true innovation entails. The focus has shifted from breakthrough discoveries to incremental advancements, leading to a stagnation of progress in certain domains. Innovation, once a force challenging the status quo, has become a stagnant industry in itself, with conferences, awards, and certifications centered around the concept.

Reclaiming the essence of Innovation

To reclaim the essence of innovation, we must go beyond the buzzword and shift our focus towards genuine transformative change. We must foster an environment that encourages bold thinking, supports experimentation, and embraces calculated risk-taking. True innovation lies in pushing boundaries, challenging assumptions, and exploring uncharted territories.

While the word « innovation » has undergone a remarkable journey from its negative origins to a symbol of progress, its rampant use and abuse have diluted its meaning. The promise of innovation often falls short, leaving us with a sense of disillusionment. However, it is within our power to reclaim the true essence of innovation. By fostering an environment that encourages genuine transformative change and challenging the status quo, we can breathe new life into the concept and realize its potential for creating a better future.