Innovative thinking now

Jaco Marais surveys the latest cross-sector thinking about innovation and looks at how best to innovate in ways that truly matter

Innovation has always been the pulse of progress, shaping societies, industries, and people's lives. Yet, as the pace of change accelerates, thought leaders across sectors are urging organisations to redefine what innovation means in an era of global challenge and technological breakthrough.

This article synthesises the latest insights from across disciplines in an attempt to paint a cohesive picture of what it takes to innovate effectively today.

1. Innovation as a process, not just an outcome

In his recent book The Innovation Stack, Jim McKelvey emphasises that innovation is often the result of solving a series of interconnected problems. Instead of aiming for a singular breakthrough, organisations should focus on creating an ‘innovation stack'—layers of incremental, complementary solutions that together produce transformative outcomes.

The takeaway? Innovation isn’t about isolated brilliance. It’s about building resilience and adaptability through iterative problem-solving. This perspective is particularly relevant in sectors like healthcare and higher education, where systemic challenges demand comprehensive approaches.

2. Fostering a culture of psychological safety

Amy Edmondson, a Harvard professor renowned for her work on psychological safety, has shown how innovation thrives in environments where people feel safe to share ideas, admit mistakes, and challenge the status quo. Recent case studies highlight companies like Google and Pixar, which prioritise open dialogue and collaboration as innovation leaders.

For organisations, the message is clear: invest in your people. Create environments where diverse perspectives are valued, and watch how this cultural shift fuels creativity and breakthroughs.

3. Sustainability: the north star of modern innovation

The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have become a rallying cry for purpose-driven innovation. Whether it’s the development of clean energy technologies or circular economy business models, thought leaders like Kate Raworth, author of Doughnut Economics, argue that true innovation aligns economic success with ecological and social wellbeing.

This is particularly relevant for industries under scrutiny, such as fashion and tech, where consumers increasingly demand transparency and sustainability. The innovators of tomorrow will be those who can align profitability with planetary health.

4. Leveraging technology responsibly

Generative AI, blockchain, and quantum computing are revolutionising industries, but the excitement around these technologies is tempered by calls for ethical guardrails. MIT's Sherry Turkle, a prominent voice in the intersection of technology and society, cautions against losing sight of the human element amid rapid technological advancement.

Her stance echoes the importance of 'responsible innovation’, where organisations balance ambition with accountability. For example, healthcare providers using AI in diagnostics must ensure algorithms are equitable and transparent, avoiding biases that could harm vulnerable populations.

5. Cross-sector collaboration: breaking down silos

In a recent white paper, the World Economic Forum highlighted the power of cross-sector collaboration to address complex challenges. From public-private partnerships to multidisciplinary research initiatives, innovation often emerges at the intersection of diverse expertise and resources.

One standout example is the development of COVID-19 vaccines, where governments, academia, and pharmaceutical companies united in an unprecedented effort. The success of these collaborations serves as a blueprint for tackling other global issues, from climate change to cybersecurity.

6. The Role of leadership in innovation

McKinsey’s latest research underscores the pivotal role of leadership in driving innovation. Leaders must champion bold ideas, allocate resources to experimentation, and embrace failure as a learning opportunity. Satya Nadella’s transformation of Microsoft is a case in point—his emphasis on empathy, learning, and growth mindset turned a stagnant company into a leader in cloud computing and AI.

Organisations should invest in leadership development programmes that prioritise these qualities, recognising that innovation begins with a mindset shift at the top.

The future of innovation: a call to action

Innovation today requires more than just cutting-edge technology or ambitious goals. It demands a rethinking of processes, cultures, and values to create solutions that are not only novel but also meaningful and sustainable.

Whether you're in healthcare, education, or the arts, the principles of innovation remain universal: empower people, embrace complexity, and act with purpose.

As organisations navigate the uncertainty of a rapidly evolving world, the ultimate question is not just how to innovate but how to do so in ways that truly matter. The leaders who rise to this challenge will shape the future—not just of their sectors but of society as a whole.