Toward a Coherent and Self-Sustaining Innovation Framework

To sustain innovation in an organization, a comprehensive framework is essential for innovation leaders to communicate about innovation with stakeholders. The framework should allow a clear understanding of the context and content for sustainable innovation, with three levels: Project Innovation, Continuous Innovation, and Self-Sustaining Innovation. Most innovation initiatives fall into project innovation and are usually limited by ideation, but innovation requires a process to turn ideas into profitable products with a clear process for innovation. Ecosystems also play a role in innovation by being the recipients of innovations and the people who support them. Continuous Innovation involves revisiting Project Innovation with a culture that sustains innovation by enabling creativity and productivity. Achieving self-sustaining innovation in an organization requires a strong cultural foundation and understanding of purpose. Innovation culture requires new ways of being and collaborating that respect each perspective and understand that ideas are born collectively. A collective individual transformation that treats people as the organization's most important asset is essential to achieve self-sustaining innovation.