Innovation has an almost mythical ring to it these days. We love to talk about innovations, analyze them, and celebrate those who come up with brilliant solutions. But there’s a paradox here, innovation is fundamentally not thinking – it’s doing. Think about it for a moment. If someone talks about […]
Innovation
83 posts
Have you ever had an idea that you believed in, but it didn’t take hold? Or seen someone else come up with a similar idea much later – and suddenly it becomes a success? It’s not always the quality of the idea that determines whether it succeeds or not. Timing […]
In a world where complex challenges demand fast and effective solutions, the concepts of think-tank and do-tank have become increasingly relevant. Both play an important role in the innovation process, but their approaches differ significantly. While think-tanks traditionally focus on analysis, idea generation and strategic advice, do-tanks take the step […]
When we talk about creating an innovation environment, the focus is often on the wrong things. Many people first think about interior design, technology, and how the space should inspire through its design. But the truth is that the creative process is about the people and culture, not the physical […]
In a world where AI, robotics and algorithmic conflicts shape our reality, there is an increasingly clear need for a different kind of intelligence – living intelligence. It is an intelligence that is not based on processing power or data-driven decision models, but on the principles of interaction with nature, […]
In a world characterized by complexity and rapid change, we need to reevaluate how we approach problem solving and innovation. Traditionally, we have used solution-oriented creativity, where the focus is on identifying a clear problem and finding a new, often innovative solution. This method is effective when the goal is […]
In a world where change occurs rapidly and unexpectedly, it is natural for us humans to seek security. We want control, stability and predictability. But when we focus too much on creating a sense of security by eliminating variation, we can create uncertainty on a larger, more global level. What […]
In the debate about societal development, it is often easy to fall into the trap of seeing technological development as either-or in relation to other societal changes. A common view is that technology drives change and that rules and laws only hinder this development. But the truth is that it […]
To create real innovation in an organization, it is necessary to work with creativity at three levels: individual, group and organization. These levels are not separate, but deeply interconnected, and success requires that we not only work with each of them, but also understand how they affect each other. In […]
In times of change – whether it’s driving new projects, introducing a new corporate culture or creating societal change – one thing is always crucial: getting people on board. But explaining a problem, presenting a solution and expecting others to act rarely works if the communication is dry and lacks […]
Running a system-change project is a complex challenge. Such projects require the ability to deal with large, interconnected issues that often involve breaking up established patterns and building new, sustainable structures. In this context, the See-Do-Learn framework offers a powerful way to organize processes, drive change, and create real learning. […]
Visionary thinking is the driving force behind every great change and innovation. It’s what takes us from what we know to what we haven’t seen yet, but which we feel deep down is possible. It’s about reaching for the stars—imagining something that’s awesome, inspiring, and worthwhile—but also balancing the dream […]
It’s well known in the innovation world that it’s questions, not ideas, that drive real change. Yet it’s surprising how often this is overlooked. Organizations and teams often put a lot of emphasis on brainstorming ideas, but miss what is often the starting point for groundbreaking success: the really good […]
In a world where new buzzwords appear almost daily—from “metaverse” to “hyperautomation”—it’s easy to become overwhelmed and cynical. Many of these terms promise a lot but deliver little when dug deeper. A new such concept but perhaps deserving of our attention is strategic foresight. Strategic foresight is a concept that […]
For many, LEGO is a source of play and creation, but its potential extends far beyond the playroom. In system innovation, where complex societal issues require new ways of thinking, LEGO can be a powerful tool. By making abstract problems concrete and creating visual models, LEGO can help us understand […]
Mission-driven innovation has emerged as a method for addressing our greatest societal challenges—from climate change to more equitable care. The basic idea is to gather different actors, create broad visions and work together to develop solutions. It is a system innovation approach with many strengths but also clear challenges. Let’s […]
System innovation is not just about improving the individual parts of a system – it is about reshaping the whole. To create something genuine new, it is not enough to optimize each individual; We must also understand how the parts work together. Just as we cannot improve a car by […]
When we talk about sustainability and circular economy, the focus often comes to restrictions: reducing, reusing and recycling. But what if we instead see these “limitations” as a catalyst for something bigger – innovation? History shows that creativity and innovation often bloom when we are forced to think differently, and […]
Creating the conditions for innovation is just as important as developing the ideas themselves. But how do we know if an organization has the right conditions to rapidly drive innovation forward? This is where the “Innovation Traction Score” comes into play – a measure that shows how well an organization […]
Why is it easier to attract change than to force it? Driving innovation in an organization can be challenging, especially when there is inherent resistance to change. Many of us have experienced how difficult it is to try to “push forward” new ideas, to struggle against the wind when no […]
System innovation is a concept that has become more central in conversations about sustainable development, social change and innovation in general. But working with systems innovation means more than just understanding complex concepts or being fascinated by the overall structure. It requires the ability to navigate between different levels – […]
Innovation is often hailed as the driving force behind progress, disruption, and long-term success in both business and society. But for true innovation to thrive, it requires more than just brilliant minds or cutting-edge technology—it demands a culture where people feel safe, empowered, and encouraged to explore new ideas. A […]
Driving system innovation with multiple organizations is a complex task, but when done right, it can lead to powerful transformations. Whether the goal is reshaping an industry, addressing climate change, or digitalizing a system, success requires collaboration, flexibility, and a focus on common goals. Let’s try to outline some key […]
In today’s world, we face challenges that require urgent and massive change. From reducing carbon emissions to advancing digital transformation, the need for swift action is more pressing than ever. However, many of the systems we aim to change are slow, resilient, and resistant to progress, often appearing to move […]
Innovation is more than just a flash of inspiration or a breakthrough technology—it’s about creating lasting change within complex systems. To drive such system innovation, we need to understand and manage the different “speeds” at which various components of the system operate. This is particularly crucial when we consider that […]
In the world of change and innovation, tipping points are critical moments when a system shifts dramatically, often irreversibly, from one state to another. These points mark the threshold where incremental changes accumulate to a level that triggers a significant transformation. Understanding the dynamics of tipping points is essential for […]
Innovation is often seen as the key to staying competitive in today’s fast-paced world. But not all innovation challenges are straightforward. Some are so complex and multifaceted that they qualify as “wicked problems.” These are issues that defy easy solutions and require a unique approach to navigate. In the realm […]
There is always uncertainty about the future. From the effects of climate change to technological disruptions and global pandemics. The challenges we face are enormous, complex and interconnected. Faced with such uncertainty, how can we set course towards a better and more sustainable world? One way is to use scenario […]
In a sea of problem solving methods, Systems Thinking stands tall and guides us like a lighthouse through the waters of complexity. One model for systems thinking is the Iceberg Model, a metaphorical tool that reveals the hidden depths beneath the surface of observable phenomena. Yet the real power of […]
Innovation is often associated with breakthrough products or services, but what if we said there is something that is transformative in a different way? Systems innovation is a holistic approach that transcends the individual parts to address complex system-level challenges. Let’s explore the concept of systems innovation, how it differs […]