Delivering the innovation core: building capability, capacity and competency.

Innovation is essential for any organization to sustain and grow, but effective innovation requires the development and nurturing of strategic resources. These resources are the lungs that provide oxygen and need to be constantly nurtured and maintained to pump new life into the organization. Unfortunately, many organizations are not effective at maintaining their resources and innovation activities, leading to inconsistency and an inability to sustain growth. To develop the capabilities, competencies, and capacity for innovation, organizations need to plan a capability maturing pathway, constantly building the skills, abilities, and processes necessary for innovation to take hold and drive long-term growth. This requires a more formalized and predictive approach with a well-thought-out innovation development plan that has dedicated resources, a budget, and accountability. It also involves recognizing the differences in building innovation, from embedding new routines and thinking to seeking out increasing connections, building innovative mental abilities, and placing learning at the center. Ultimately, innovation needs to become a core part of the organization and an integrated aspect of strategic thinking and planning, supported by the necessary structures, attitudes, investment, and motivation for change.