Apple and the art of innovation

It's time to prepare yourself for a deluge of Apple innovation articles over the next two weeks, timed to coincide with the launch of the Apple iPhone. According to The Economist, Apple has four important lessons to teach other companies. First and most importantly, companies need to dispense with the "not invented here" mentality:

"The first [lesson] is that innovation can come from without as well as within. Apple is widely assumed to be an innovator in the tradition of Thomas Edison or Bell Laboratories, locking its engineers away to cook up new ideas and basing products on their moments of inspiration. In fact, its real skill lies in stitching together its own ideas with technologies from outside and then wrapping the results in elegant software and stylish design. The idea for the iPod, for example, was originally dreamt up by a consultant whom Apple hired to run the project. It was assembled by combining off-the-shelf parts with in-house ingredients such as its distinctive, easily used system of controls. And it was designed to work closely with Apple's iTunes jukebox software, which was also bought in and then overhauled and improved. Apple is, in short, an orchestrator and integrator of technologies, unafraid to bring in ideas from outside but always adding its own twists.

This approach, known as “network innovation”, is not limited to electronics. It has also been embraced by companies such as Procter & Gamble, BT and several drugs giants, all of which have realised the power of admitting that not all good ideas start at home. Making network innovation work involves cultivating contacts with start-ups and academic researchers, constantly scouting for new ideas and ensuring that engineers do not fall prey to “not invented here” syndrome, which always values in-house ideas over those from outside."

[image: The Economist]

Comments

[Dominic]

Check the trackbacks -- Is Apple really a "network innovation" company? Great insights.

[generic viagra]

Do You know some Art Supply Sources?
looking for some great thrifty art supply sources..thank you.

[generic viagra]

In fact, its real skill lies in stitching together its own ideas with technologies from outside and then wrapping the results in elegant software and stylish design.

[replica watches]

The idea for the iPod, for example, was originally dreamt up by a consultant whom Apple hired to run the project. It was assembled by combining off-the-shelf parts with in-house ingredients such as its distinctive, easily used system of controls.

[kamagra pills]

What are the factors that make one guitar easier to play than another? I play guitar and I've noticed that some guitars are just easier to play.

[Nursing top]

wow great news... nice work..
Good for apple users...

[renaissance dresses]

Apple has now been very big. With all those successful products, they can even be considered giants. They should inspire and motivate smaller companies for more innovation thus leading to a brighter future.

[wench wear]

Apple has really been big in the gadgets industry. And now, they just launched the iPad. Another breakthrough. More power apple! and many more great stuffs to come.. ;)

[red cross cna classes]

The debunking site is complicated, and the link to the fracking fluid content, when you see it, is impossible to understand.

[hunter]

Apple has really been big in the gadgets industry. And now, they just launched the iPad. replica watchesAnother breakthrough.

[chanel navel rings]

Nice and informational article.Your experience must have been a wonderful one.I can imagine he wonderful experiences in California with all fun of life available there.Nice article.The way things are presented in this article are best and amazing.

[Free Quick Claim Deed Form]

That is what you call a total make over. You can even see the old thing in that new structure. Everything is new and very different. I salute to all who made that make over possible.

[Clenbuterol]

Actually Apple is the most successful electronic devices company at the moment

[Generic Viagra Online]

Yup apple has been the most running electronically company. This is really good I like the post very much.

[no nonsense muscle building program]

You are so generous! I just love finding beautiful and artistic freebies like this. They really brighten up my day, thank you!

[server management]

What a great idea!! i'ld like to know more how many people you met on 1st sept, i'm quite late to see this blog.Very good! Nice information this is really interesting. Good luck in building the table.

[duties of a cna]

Those editorial cartoons, so subtle and nuanced.

[racing games]

thanks a lot for the informative article. i am really interested to read more from you.