Hi-Lo-No Tech

Not all innovations should be technology driven

Innovation is often treated as a synonym for technology or even digitalization. Technology certainly can solve business and customer problems in innovative ways. Digital technology can facilitate rapid prototyping, cheap iterating and quick scaling of successful innovations.

However, it is unnecessary to limit innovation to technology/digital solutions only. The objective of innovation should be to solve problems and if a digital solution is the best one, go for it. If not, don’t.

A few examples of non-digital innovations to address specific problems:

• Affordability – Problem: some Hepatitis C patients in India do not have the cash flow to immediately pay in full for their medication. Innovative solution: a bank provides a micro financing (loan), so patients can pay off the cost over a longer time. See more: Crossing industries
• Engagement – Problem: it is often difficult to engage with customers at trade shows in Israel. Innovative solution: create a modified Escape Room, which provides fun and high impact engagement. See more: Gamification
• Adherence – Problem: hypertensive patients often run out of pills in Mexico, as they buy the small packs. Innovative solution: provide 0% interest for credit card purchases of the larger pack size. See more: Innovation x Innovation
• Climate change – Problem: increased CO2 in the air is one of the causes climate change. Innovative solution: plant trees to remove CO2 from the air. See more: Planting a Trillion Trees May Be the Best Way to Fight Climate Change

Innovation should be driven by a problem. The character of an innovative solution can differ, depending on that problem. The innovation can be inspired by existing, evolved or new “tools”, one of them being digital technology.

As Abraham Maslow said:

“If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail.” 

So, as Innovation Leader, I made sure to facilitate and stimulate innovations in all shapes and forms, as long as they addressed the priority business and customer challenges.

More about this: 10 things that are NOT innovation and Innovation Is Not About Technology

Please share your views below! 

More of my blogs on innovation: Wim Vandenhouweele