Innovation as a mindset

To start this blog about cyber security and its intersection with politics, I have actually decided to write about innovation. I think that the intersection of innovation and greed is where cyber security is most needed.

What is innovation? Innovation is developing and applying ideas that improve the way things are done or what can be achieved. Innovation may result in new products or services, new or improved business processes, changes in how your products are marketed or the introduction of new technology. Business innovation is a potent tool that can differentiate you from your market competitors or create an entirely new market for yourself.

Aspiration can be a powerful driving force in innovation. A great vision can be harnessed to be a compelling catalyst, but only if it is a realistic enough goal to create action today. When President John F. Kennedy (JFK) declared in 1962 that the United States of America would “go to the Moon within the decade”, he motivated a nation to unprecedented levels of innovation. This statement focused that nation on a goal, a bold yet plausible target that created innovation across industries and disciplines.

Without JFK, the USA may not have been galvanised into action in the space race, and the world may have a very different geopolitical outlook today. Many inventions can be directly linked to the burst of disruptive innovation from the Space Race, including GPS, Infrared Thermometers, anti-icing systems and many material science improvements. All of these innovations came into being due to a single aspirational goal.

As you are planning your ventures, ask yourself: Am I stretching myself? Will this catalyse breakthrough growth? Are my aspirations bold enough?