can innovation be planned?

Answer 1

Interesting question.

I think that one of the hardest things for technically or scientifically minded people to overcome is the feeling that all the things they've known and learned might be supplanted by some kind of sudden breakthrough.

There's always a conflict in science, and by extension, engineering (which is after all just applied science) --the conflict is between knowing the value and usefulness of our current knowledge and achievements and being ready for some new discovery to change the landscape.

An example. Let's take computers. Currently we think of computers in term of silicon chips and electronic components. Our notions of possible change extend from this framework. But supposing we were suddenly able to bring biology into the picture... biology? Yes: after all the human mind is a computer of a much higher order than any we have yet made, capable of not just procedural function but of the kind of imaginative leaps that make mere electronic computers seem like mere abaci.

A programmer then, looking toward innovation in computer functions might imagine some kind of limit, based on the one conception, that is electronic counting techniques... but would be wise to allow in their programming structure for the ability to reach beyond mere counting into the realm of intuition and imagination.

Or, another example: an engineer building a space elevator may find herself up against a limitation that is current: but if they have kept abreast of many of the wilder surmises, they might assume that we will come upon a way to successfully manufacture molecular monofiliments. I say let them take that as a possible given, and continue with their designing as if it does indeed exist. What harm?
If the technology comes into being, the rest of their effort is suddenly golden.

So allowing for innovation is a process of accepting that the exact way we do things now might tomorrow be suddenly obsoleted by a jump in some other direction.

Answer 2

Concept : Innovation - Something New and Ground Breaking!

Hey, but it probably didn't happen in an Instant!

People often develope Ideas/Inventions over a period of time, and thus are 'Planned', yet when released to the World at Large they are seen to be Innovative!!!

I see where the question comes from, but most good things don't just happen at the moment they are created!....

Happy Ponderings!

Answer 3

While one can plan to accomplish an end goal the route one uses to get there is often filled with uncertainty. Usually, and particularly with technology, logical and straightforward solutions are already well tilled ( there are a lot of smart folks out there). So innovation is really defined by the gee wiz result that happens when you least expect it even if it might be along a directed path. Hope that helps...

Answer 4

yes, great things that are not planned are called miracles