Invention Versus Innovation

Do you know the difference between invention and innovation? The Huffington Post sums up the contrast for us:

In its purest sense, invention can be defined as the creation of a product or introduction of a process for the first time. Innovation, on the other hand, occurs if someone improves on or makes a significant contribution to an existing product, process or service.

Consider the microprocessor. Someone invented the microprocessor. But by itself, the microprocessor was nothing more than another piece on the circuit board. It’s what was done with that piece — the hundreds of thousands of products, processes and services that evolved from the invention of the microprocessor — that required innovation.

Are you an inventor or innovator?

Photo by Anthony Storo

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *