Innovation has become a very popular – and often abused – topic in many debates. Behind all the possible definitions, I believe that the distinction between “invention” (which is unique, novel and with a commercial value) and “innovation” (which brings improvement of what already exists), helps focus the debate on what really matters: the ultimate objective of innovation as an instrument to improve people’s quality of life. I am strongly convinced that people should always be at the center of governments’ attempts to encourage innovation and competitiveness.

A rich dialogue between governments and consumers is essential: everybody needs to play a role. That is why I value Voices for Innovation: by giving a voice to the broader innovation community, Voices for Innovation gives the concrete opportunity to “provoke” a dialogue with decision makers, encouraging them to take people’s views on board and, in that way, help innovation be that instrument of positive change. Innovation is still too frequently equated with stereotypes and definitions that limit its potential: the ideas that it is only in the scientific and technology fields, that it is a men domain and that it is developed by either big or small companies are all wrong assumptions that we have to address.

 Innovation overall has dignity, it is the product of diversity, it is cross-sector and transversal, and it overcomes the big-versus-small dichotomy. Anybody can play a role, regardless of gender, sector and company size. Opening up to this diversity is the first step to expand the opportunities innovation can bring. However, bringing people to understand the value of innovation as a way towards a better quality of life and raising awareness of its benefits requires a radical change: it means pushing them to leave their comfort zone and to think outside the box.

We all make a difference to the health of our planet earth. When you give the world a gift with your innovative idea for a product, business or service, you need to calculate what the cost is to the world of using those ideas. If the net carbon impact of your innovation is too high, try to expand your knowledge and bring it to life.

Dr Sheila Ochugboju, Operational Director, Science & Innovation, GWIIN