Summary

Although innovation may appear to be the latest hipster buzzword, innovation itself is and always has been important. All types of innovation matter, as well. For evidence of how even apparently simple innovations can be of remarkable value, we need look no further than to the use of clothing as a simple water filter in the prevention of guinea worm disease.

The value of a specific innovation is not always obvious to everyone—sometimes not even to the inventor. And when the inventor does realize its value, others still may not see that value. Sometimes innovation happens but is not captured. Sometimes innovation is temporarily forgotten. Sometimes it is lost altogether.

However, one truth remains: in today’s business climate, every company ...

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