Innovation and invention are two terms that are often used interchangeably. Despite sharing similarities, they are not the same thing. In this blog post, we will debunk the myth surrounding innovation vs invention.
Invention is the creation of something new. It may involve developing a new product, technology or process. On the other hand, innovation is about making improvements to something that already exists. It involves taking a concept or product and improving it to meet changing customer needs, market conditions or technological advances.
Invention is often viewed as a more significant achievement than innovation because it is seen as creating something new from scratch. However, many of the most groundbreaking discoveries and innovations of our time have not been created from nothing but have instead been built on existing ideas and technologies.
Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple, was not an inventor, as he did not create the personal computer or the cell phone. However, he utilized existing technologies and created designs that were more aesthetically pleasing, user-friendly and intuitive. This spirit of innovation that he brought to the industry changed the world and made Apple one of the most valuable companies globally.
It is often possible to recognize inventions but not innovation. For example, Thomas Edison’s invention of the light bulb was a revolutionary development in technology, but the continued improvements made on the original design over the years by subsequent inventors and innovators have been the real game-changer.
Innovation has been pivotal in the development of our society, economies and the progress of humanity over the centuries. It is characterized by constant changes and, more often than not, requires a great deal of investment, research, and development. These efforts are crucial to improve processes or functionalities, harness artificial intelligence, blockchain technology and other emerging technologies that push us forward into the future.
In conclusion, while these two concepts may seem similar, they are, in fact vastly different. Invention often creates something new, while innovation improves what already exists. Both are vital for the advancement of society and the progress of our collective knowledge. It is imperative to keep in mind the differences between invention and innovation when celebrating and recognizing technological advancements in the future.
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