‘Innovation’ is a difficult term to pin down. Taken literally, it can include almost any new development.
Generally we can describe innovation as ‘the successful exploitation of ideas’. Two key words stand out in that definition: Ideas. Exploitation.
An idea is:
1. Something, such as a thought or conception, that potentially or actually exists in the mind as a product of mental activity.
2. An opinion, conviction, or principle:
To exploit means:
To utilize; to make available; to get the value or usefulness out of; as, to exploit a mine or agricultural lands; to exploit public opinion
Put all together we can say that to innovate means to successfully get the value or usefulness out of an idea. Innovating for problem solving therefore requires that we first of all generate ideas on various ways to tackle a problem, then make great endeavors to fully and efficiently exploit that idea for successful outcomes, the end point being of course to put an end to the problem.
In todays Nigeria we are surrounded by problems and challenges that call on us to exercise our creativity, innovate, explore and exploit ideas that can bring about lasting solutions and improve the quality of life of the average Nigerian.
I would like to state, using real estate terminology, that the greatest and the largest room you will find anywhere in Nigeria is the room for improvement! In every sphere of life in todays' society, we are operating way below our potential.
Take power supply for instance. Generators are supposed to be temporary innovations used as back ups in the event of sudden power failure. However in many parts of the country, generators are the stable source of power. They have become our way of life. But the real tragedy is that all ideas generated to solve this lingering and malevolent problem are not being fully or successfully exploited! Therefore we can say that there has been no innovation in the power sector in Nigeria (remember the definition of innovation we adopted at the beginning of this article?)
This scenario applies to so many other facets of our daily existence. Transportation, education, law and order, etctera. It is as if the creative engines of our people have knocked! Over the past few years, the only really successful innovation has been the introduction and widespread use of mobile gsm communications/data services, which in itself is not a new innovation at all. (Only delayed in Nigerias case)
I see a serious vacuum in our development as a nation. It is a vacuum caused by a severe lack of successful innovations. I am aware that among our people, ideas exist and abound, but these are stifled by plagues of corruption and government irresponsibility. However, the situation calls for more determination to see that great ideas overcome the current state of things and eventually rule for ultimate progress and development.
We could start by coming up with innovative ideas on how to tackle the corruption that holds us bound. Ideas and innovations come from research and constructive meditation. We need to study how other people have done it, meditate and come up with adapted versions and even never-before-seen ways of bringing down this giant.
At this point, let us take some time out to reflect on all that has been stated, and brainstorm ideas that can help to cure the cancer of corruption that rots our system.
That is a good place to start.
(source: www.sparkmaginnovate.blogspot.com)
