Software & Tech: innovate to be a leader, not a follower
In order to innovate in an increasingly technological world it is important to think not only about the idea, but also to consider the people who will put it into action. Experts in social psychology generally agree that, nowadays, dialogue between people with different fields of expertise is essential for innovation.
In most organisations, groups consisting of members from many different disciplines work together. In such situations, constructive communication is fundamental in bringing innovation a wide range of various business contexts.
In a world where technological innovation has become a key factor and is being applied in sectors ranging from health (genome sequencing) to Internet access in developing countries, it is no longer sufficient to wonder whether to innovate, the question is now how it should be done.
Companies are taking up the challenge to innovate
Companies are dealing with these changes in a decidedly proactive way. One example which illustrates this trend is the setting up, in many international companies, of dedicated innovation units. Their purpose is to analyse ways in which a climate of innovation may be a catalyst for social as well as economic growth within the company.
The role of technology is of course a central one. University research has for some time focused on its effects within business organisations. In such contexts, thanks mainly to social networks, groups scattered in different locations now have the opportunity to work together.
There are also some risks however, such as opening platforms which subsequently prove difficult to manage. In order to tackle this and other similar issues, professional figures such as Communication managers are emerging, tasked with optimising the performance of groups who communicate and work exclusively online.
Non-digital innovation and new ways of organising work
Innovating nowadays does not mean focusing exclusively on the digital environment, which nevertheless remains highly relevant. It is crucial to consider exponential technologies too (nanotechnologies, biotechnologies, quantum computing, 3D printing), which have become an essential part in the sharing of specialised knowledge which, up until a few years ago, were in the hands of a select few people.
It is also essential to take on board the new methods of organisation of work. These focus more and more on the smart trend, characterised by professionals who manage their tasks and duties in an agile and autonomous way, operating remotely thanks to the technological tools which are now available.
Smart working, which is very popular among millennials, is considered a key asset for companies wishing to innovate, as it allows single professionals to manage their individual contribution to the organisation more effectively. This context requires professional figures who know how to construct optimal co-operation among the various different workers, thereby avoiding the risk of fragmentation.
If this is managed well, each professional figure can, over time, become the most skilled and competitive in their field, with obvious advantages for the entire company and increased opportunities for innovation. To achieve these results, it is essential to create strong teams, involving creative networks which include professionals, ideas and resources focused on the same objective.
Technology can therefore become an increasingly important engine for growth, thanks to human mediation: a central hub where a range of skills are combined and united, to combat serious issues such as ransom viruses, cyberbullying and cyberchondria or to enable end users to benefit fully from the creative ideas of those aiming to innovate.
Traslated by Joanne Beckwith
