Gradual and Steady Is the Pace of Best Innovation

Disruptive innovation gets most of the hype, but innovation can take several other forms. In fact, most innovations are gradual, incremental and takes place over time through the exploration and implementation of new ideas. However, the perception that innovation needs to be radical or disruptive is quite possibly one of the biggest roadblocks to change overall.

Let’s take a look at the two basic types of innovation.

1. Disruptive: These are the loudest of the innovations. Disruptive innovation is all about creating a new business model that revolutionises industry and its standards. Technology has been the driver of many disruptive business models. Think about the impact of streaming on music and television, or apps and payment automation on the hotel and taxi industries.

2. Incremental: Sometimes referred to as routine, incremental innovation happens when organisations work to enhance their existing services, processes and performance. Usually, these innovations aren’t huge; instead they occur as part of a commitment to constant improvement and are reflective of the culture of the organisation.

Gradual and Steady Wins the Race

Disruptive innovation is often the domain of new organisations and businesses. However, in most established organisations, innovation is incremental. In fact, incremental innovation is often the most sustainable way to create momentum within bureaucracy-heavy organisations that resist change.

For many such organisations, structural changes are the most difficult and impactful innovations. It may be hard to imagine testing flat organisational structures in education; however, this kind of environment requires and inspires creative problem solving. Indeed, flat structures can break down the barriers of bureaucracy that so often stifle innovation in schools and academies, and create an environment in which innovation can thrive.

While structural change might fall under the banner of incremental change, it can be highly disruptive for certain organisations. In most cases, the pace of innovation is much more incremental. For instance, schools and academies can innovate in the way students work together, how teachers work with each other, and even in the process of evaluating teacher performance.

Innovation need not always be big and loud. Even when it comes to technology, big innovations are like being struck by lightning. This kind of innovation is rare and often the domain of startups looking to shake up an established industry. In the end, gradual and steady is the most sustainable way to create a culture of innovation, and over time, the incremental innovations can add up to big wins.