Innovation Fundamentals

"If one does not know to which Port one is sailing, No wind is favorable" Lucius Annaeus Seneca- Roman Philosopher

Business Success is Obvious

The company that creates a greater value for its markets, will prosper while competitors will get only what is left over for them by the Leader. Over time this capability tends to diminish if a strong Innovation Process is not in place.

The Innovation Process

1. Analysis & Solutions- Identify Conflicts , Choices made Vs Goals
2. Cost reduction/Reliability & System related issues
3. Use Innovation assessment Tools-Compliance with laws of Technical System Evolution
4. Patent Protection & Protection against Circumvention
5. Knowledge of system location on Evolutionary Potential curve
6. Strategic Management (Business Approach) i.e. repositioning an org. to gain competitive advantage –More important than the Innovation Process itself.
7. Strategic Innovation-Deliberate on "On Demand Innovation"
8. Knowledge Science and Technology is essential to predict future systems & future markets

TRIZ (Theory of Inventive Problem Solving by Generich Altshuller, a Russian Patent Agent with the Soviet Navy). Triz is based on the assumption of dialectic (opposing forces within the same entity) and resolution of these opposing forces(contradictions) as its fundamental concept.

Triz problem solving methods are based on the following fundamental concepts.

1. Resolution of Technical & Physical Contradiction
2. The evolution of Systems
3. The Ideal System & the Ideal Solution
4. Functions delivered and Resources utilized
5. Space –Time & Interface

Steps in Problem Solving, using TRIZ Methodology.

1. Select a (technical) problem. Then transition to identify a technical Contradiction .Use the Matrix to identify a solution using 40 principles
2. Formulate a Physical Contradiction, (A & -A) to deliver a function
3. Formulate an Ideal Solution. i.e. how to increase the beneficial attributes and eliminate the harmful ones. Comparison of the results obtained from © with ideal solution demonstrates whether the Inventor made a right choice or not of the Technical Contradiction earlier
4. Find resources preferably within the system itself using Triz, use Knowledge base, 76 Standards
5. Determine the strength of the solution and choose the best one. Compare with Ideal Solution usually the solution obtained is at level 2-3 if technical contradiction has been solved & level 3-4 if physical contradiction has been solved
6. Predict the development of System considered, within the problem space. Use laws of evolution of technical systems and forecasting techniques .Future development of the system
7. Analyze solution process to prevent similar problem occurring (the terms and procedure are)