8/14/2019 Total Innovation is Crucial for Business Success

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8/14/2019 Total Innovation is Crucial for Business Success

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8/14/2019 Total Innovation is Crucial for Business Success

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Unfortunately, the approach by both companies and the public sector towards

innovation in Ireland has been relatively superficial up to now, failing to

penetrate the core of our education system, our working practices and our

culture.

Ideas have been under-estimated and creative thinking has not been widely

taught or practiced. Neither has it been widely acknowledged or rewarded,

even in the era of the Celtic Tiger.

True innovation at all stages of development is not a part of our culture and is

rarely found in Ireland. It has not yet become a cornerstone of our economy.

We are still not renowned for being a nation of innovators, even though as a

nation we are creative and exhibit a strong desire to question and improve.

The `total innovation' process could leverage these intrinsic assets and herald

an era of sustainable achievement based on valuing the power of our own

ideas and rewarding them appropriately.

It would be an integrated programme covering all stages of development

including:

  Innovation in how we produce graduates who can think both logically andcreatively.

  Innovation in the strategies that drive enterprise and the economy.

  Innovation in the workforce that breeds entrepreneurial skills and team

spirit.

  Innovation in the products and services that differentiate us from our

competitors and guarantee continuing competitive advantage.

To make the most of its inherent advantages in the knowledge economy,

Ireland must build its future on a foundation of education, research, innovation

and creativity.

©Kieran O’Hea