Cultivate continuous innovation, not just one-time projects
In the realm of business, achieving lasting success hinges on ongoing innovation, not just one-off product launches. However, many leaders mistakenly view innovation as a singular project. To address this, faculty from the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business and ILR School has shared insightful tactics for integrating innovation into organisational DNA.
Firstly, fostering a culture of intrapreneurship is paramount. Neil Tarallo, Senior Lecturer of Management and Organisations at the Cornell Nolan School of Hotel Administration, emphasised that innovation thrives when it becomes a part of everyday operations rather than being relegated to specific projects. This entails fostering autonomy, accountability, and encouraging cross-functional collaboration at all levels.
“The organisations best positioned to innovate when it is most necessary are those that innovate in small ways every day,” Tarallo said. “These organisations operate in teams that bring a range of specialities and perspectives to each challenge they face. This approach leads to a more forward-thinking culture than can sustain a business in the long term.”
The second is to embrace risk-taking and long-term thinking. Yuan Shi, Assistant Professor of Management and Organisations at the Nolan School, advocates for transparent communication with stakeholders, emphasising the long-term value of innovative ideas and the need to prioritise sustained innovation over short-term gains.
Lastly, Brain Lucas, Assistant Professor of Organisational Behaviour at the Cornell ILR School, emphasised the importance of allocating tangible resources for innovation. Breakthrough ideas rarely emerge spontaneously but are the outcomes of deliberate, resource-intensive efforts. Lucas outlined four critical categories—people, time, space, and funding—that leaders should consider when fostering innovation within their organisation.
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Lucas stressed the need for dedicated resources for research, prototyping, and skill development. Furthermore, as the role of AI grows, organisations should ensure that technological advancements complement human creativity rather than replace it.
“Historically, tech advancements lead to employment and economic growth,” Lucas said. “Organisations and leaders who view innovation as ongoing work are best equipped to use AI as a resource for creativity and to benefit from its potential.”
