ZAMBIA, like other countries, is going through the process of discovering and applying the most effective and economical way of solving different problems being faced. Some problems require new ways of dealing with them.
Good leaders rise in the midst of challenges to provide directions. It is not only leaders in politics but also in various business and academic fields.
It is not a secret that Zambia is facing electricity challenges which affects businesses and households. The deficit of electricity or whatever maybe the cause require the new way of looking at. Lusaka is faced with road congestions coupled with blocked drainages during rain seasons. There are many different issues where innovation is needed.
Innovation can be a confusing topic because there are so many different kinds of innovations out there and everyone seems to use the term differently. We will focus on innovation in terms of technology and although it is true that technological innovation has been, and will likely continue to be, the most obvious form of innovation comes in variety of other forms too.
Britannica suggests that innovation, the creation of a new way of doing something, whether the enterprise is concrete (e.g., the development of a new product) or abstract (e.g., the development of a new philosophy or theoretical approach to a problem).
Innovation plays a key role in the development of sustainable methods of both production and living because in both cases it may be necessary to create alternatives to conventional ways of doing things that were developed before environmental consideration was central to most people’s framework for making decisions.
We also looked at Cambridge Dictionary which defines innovation as (the use of) a new idea or method. “Innovation is the creation of something that improves the way we live our lives”- Barack Obama. Innovation is something fresh (new, original, or improved) that creates value. – Jeff Dance. “Innovation is any idea that adds value.” Baxter Healthcare – Australia. “Innovation is significant positive change”. – Scott Berkun. “Innovation is change that creates a new dimension of performance.” – Peter Drucker. “I define innovation as executing new ideas to create value.” – Tim Kastelle. “Innovation is the commercialisation of creativity.” – Anonymous. “Innovation is the creation, development and implementation of a new product, process or service, with the aim of improving efficiency, effectiveness or competitive advantage.” – Government of New Zealand.
Innovation can refer to something new or to a change made to an existing product, idea, or field.
- Currently, there are many organisations from the public and private sectors which are promoting innovation in different fields. We will not see the result but we will keep on hearing these innovations if they are not properly defined to meet specific needs. It is observed that there are growing hubs formed by youth innovator trying to promote special skills and ideas. These are great idea but if they are not relevant to solve human problems including climate changes, food security, electricity, access to clean water and many more such will remain great idea but not changing the lives of many Zambians.The innovation must be relevant
Any innovation initiated and delivered to the people or consumers must be relevant to them. This means that their experience with the innovation must enjoyable and flexible. It is at the time of discovering the innovation where the innovators make sure that is it relevant to the user. Imagine where users of the system or consumers in a community receives something which is not relevant to them. This reminds me of different software applications I see being developed by young developers which are not being used in Zambia, the reason could be that they are not relevant. If you are thinking of overcoming any challenge in your area make sure it is relevant to them. - It must be feasible in their particular organisational or community context
Africa, as a continent, has continued to receive innovations developed in Europe, America, Asia and other continents. Some innovations have worked and saved Africa and Zambia in particular while others have not solved the local context issue. The agriculture sector may require the use of self-driving agriculture machinery but at the moment Zambian may not be ready for such. This many seem to be not feasible because it may threaten the jobs of the farm workers. - It must be compatible with the practices, values and characteristics of their system
The user experience of any innovation must support the values of the users. If people perceive that the innovation in some ways hinders them from their daily practices they will definitely resist it. Any innovation may face some resistance but the innovators have a duty to develop something that can easily supplement and support what the users already know and do. - It must be seen as posing little or no threat to the user group’s identity, integrity and territory. The innovation must be shown to be tolerable and non- threatening
An idea, which seem to threaten the skills and jobs of the users, will be resisted. We cannot deny the fact that most innovations will remove the old way of doing things and bring in new ways. Some people may not easily accept the new way of working and looking at things. The recently innovations of Coronavirus diseases 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines were received with mixed feelings and opinions. Some people have different myths about the vaccines. These issues are as a result of the innovation considered to threaten the identity and health of the recipients. The awareness and education comes into play in a situation like this. If you are a local person and you have such an innovation it is very likely that innovation will fail.
Your innovation should not be seen as taking jobs away from people. It must not be seen as promoting certain morals or values which are not supported in Zambia. - The innovation must yield material or non- material benefits
One of the reasons to bring an innovation is to solve a problem in a particular field or society. The users of the innovation must feel or have the experience that the product or service is solving their problem. This is the best way to take an innovation on the market. Because the environment and the needs of your customers are constantly changing, you need to be able to improve different areas of your business to solve emerging problems and to keep creating new value for your customers. - It must be flexible and adaptable
Your innovation may not be easily accepted. It is normal, some will reject the change. As an innovator, develop an idea or product which is flexible and easily adaptable. Your innovation in any field must not complete the experience of the clients. It must be easily be adaptable. A technology or innovation, which fits well into the social, academic, professional, business and so forth of the users, will easily make significant impact.
Innovation can be defined differently. In this article, different definitions were presented and discussed factors to consider when you want to innovate a product or service. The innovation must be relevant and feasible in their particular organisational or community context. Further, it must be compatible with the practices, values and characteristics of their system, and must be seen as posing little or no threat to the user group’s identity, integrity and territory. The innovation must be shown to be tolerable and non- threatening. It must be flexible and adaptable. Innovators must take advantage of the current Government which is supporting innovation. There are different local hubs, communities and private sectors financing great ideas. You may wish to put up your idea or product and have it presented to the right people and they will buy it.
The Author is a Speaker, Mentor, Educator, Trainer, Professional and Community Leader, Information Technology (IT) and Cybersecurity Leader. For comments email: ICTMatters@kingston.co.zm; www.kingston.co.zm
