Innovative Thinking

“Just as energy is the basis of life itself, and ideas the source of innovation, so is innovation the vital spark of all human change, improvement and progress”

Ted Levitt

The need to create new innovative methods and processes have become ever more imperative. The tightening of public finances increases the need for government to grab innovative ideas that can lead to greater efficiency and effectiveness, and develop them through to implementation. Although the aim of innovation is to change the delivery of services for the better, the innovation process may involve some failure as new things are trialled and piloted.Innovation involves trying new things, some of which may not work. The public sector needs to learn from past experiences and identify and implement innovative ways to provide efficient and effective ways of delivering services with reduced resources.

Innovation is crucial for bringing about improvements in quality and efficiency of public services and also for being able to respond to changing social and economic conditions. Innovation is vital in addressing the pressing economic and social challenges of the future. In a resilient local economy, creating the conditions which encourage and nurture innovation are a necessity; a flowing dynamic between the private, public and social sectors, at all levels, from top tier local government to the citizens that are being served. The ultimate aim is to improve outcomes for people who use public services.

A constant injection of new ideas keeps an organisation progressive and employees can play a part in securing the organisation’s market position by brainstorming or providing feedback. It requires leadership that can facilitate or spark innovative thinking and by paying attention to ideas emerging from all stakeholders.