12 July 2012
By Scott D Anthony
Harvard Business Review Press, £16.99
★★★★
In a very accessible and humorous style, the author focuses on two core areas: how innovation works and, perhaps more importantly, how to do it.
A flaw I’ve found in many ‘innovation’ texts is they focus on the theory and don’t bring it to life. Anthony delivers this in spades and delves into a rich background in creative and innovative thinking, bringing clarity to the subject. Citing well-known innovators, brands, organisations and events, the book covers the foundations of how innovation works in a clear and engaging format.
The second focus, presented as a 28-day innovation programme, slightly misses the mark as it feels ‘commercial product-centric’, and the step-by-step guide seems too regimented. But it is possible to use the steps as more of a framework. There is also enough guidance to put the advice into practice. The storytelling adds real depth and the insights should ring true and be beneficial to all but the most polished creative practitioners.
☛ Jamie Napper, head of strategic supplier relationship management, Best Buy Europe
