The creativity, innovation and disruption They are fundamental concepts in the business world of all kinds. Each of them implies a different approach and plays an important role in the development of ideas, products and services.
Although they are different, it is common to hear that they are used as synonyms, especially creativity and innovation; although they are not.
Here we will explore each of these concepts in detail and discuss their differences, with practical examples.
Creativity: The power of imagination
Creativity is an imaginative process that involves generating original and unique ideas. It is the ability to think outside the box and find different solutions to problems. Creativity involves combining existing elements in unexpected ways and fusing them with new concepts and solutions.
As we know, being creative is innate to human beings, even if the person himself does not recognize himself as such. It manifests itself in various fields, such as art, music, literature, inventions, scientific advances, and, of course, business. In the business context, creativity can lead to the creation of new methods, products or services that make a difference in the market.
Some examples:
- Interactive advertising: Use novel techniques, such as augmented reality ads, to create a unique and engaging advertising experience.
- Construction materials from waste elements: create bricks from different types of recycled materials with eco-friendly production methods, merging style and environmental awareness.
- Custom Music App: Develop an application that generates playlists based on the user’s musical tastes and mood, offering a personalized and unique musical experience.
- Fusion cuisine: Combining ingredients and culinary techniques from different cultures to create surprising new dishes that delight diners with innovative flavors.
Innovation: From idea to action
Innovation, on the other hand, is a productive process that involves successfully implementing creative ideas into new or improved products, services, or processes. Therefore, among multiple aspects, it implies evaluating and abstracting ideas to take them to concrete action, generating value in the process taking into account the strategic plan and the final result of what is desired to be obtained.
This is fundamentally focused on producing significant changes and improving the way we do things. It can manifest itself in the launch of a new product, the improvement of an existing process, the optimization of performance or the adoption of innovative technologies.
To illustrate, here are some examples:
- Autonomous electric cars: Develop vehicles that not only run on electric power, but can also be driven without the intervention of a human driver, revolutionizing the transportation industry.
- Vertical Farming: Implement growing systems in enclosed and controlled spaces, using precise lighting and irrigation technology, to maximize food production in constrained urban environments.
- 3D printing in medicine: Using 3D printing technology to manufacture custom prostheses, artificial organs, and advanced medical devices, improving the quality of life for patients.
Disruption: Radical change
The disruption it is a transformative and radical process that breaks with everything previously known. It is not just a change, but a total transformation of the traditional, creating a new paradigm in the market, the industry or the business model.
Disruption implies finding or designing something that humanity would not have foreseen and that provides an unprecedented solution to problems or needs.
For example:
- e-commerce: The emergence of platforms like Amazon has transformed the way people buy products, challenging the traditional model of physical stores.
- Solar energy at affordable values: Reducing costs and the increased efficiency of solar panels have allowed more people to embrace solar power as a clean and affordable alternative to traditional energy sources.
- Artificial intelligence in customer service: The implementation of chatbots and artificial intelligence systems in customer service centers has improved the efficiency and quality of interactions, streamlining service and reducing waiting times.
In the business world, and also thinking about life in general, understanding these differences and knowing how to take advantage of each of these concepts can make the difference between success and stagnation. Creativity can be the starting point, innovation can turn ideas into action, and disruption can completely revolutionize a market.
By combining these concepts strategically, companies and entrepreneurs can open up new opportunities and change the landscape in significant ways.
Daniel Colombo Facilitator and Executive Master Coach specialized in senior management, professionals and teams; mentor and professional communicator; international speaker; author of 31 books. LinkedIn Top Voice Latin America. ICF certified; Certified Coach and Member of the John Maxwell Team.