Innovation and Invention: The art of seeing what’s already there and what could be

Last month, I had the privilege of attending the Global Innovation Forum in London. From the moment I registered, I felt that familiar buzz of anticipation. I was excited to be meeting brilliant minds, hearing bold ideas, and enjoying the sort of energy that only innovation can generate. The event delivered on every front, with an exceptional line-up of speakers who challenged my thinking and reinforced my passion for innovation.

Innovation is a mindset

For me, innovation isn’t just a buzzword or a strategy, it’s a mindset and it’s one we all need in order to solve real problems for real people. What excites me most is that innovation isn’t about dwelling on what’s come before; it’s about moving forward with purpose, taking forward the lessons we learn along the way.

Think about how we learn to walk. We fall, we wobble, then we correct our balance and try again. Eventually, we’re not just walking, we’re running, climbing, exploring. Innovation follows much the same pattern. It requires us to embrace failure as part of the process, to adjust our approach, and to keep pushing forward even when the path isn’t clear.

Lasagne and toothpaste

Of course, not every innovation succeeds, and understanding why is crucial. One of my favourite examples was a beef lasagne, mocked up by a museum and claimed to be designed by Colgate, of toothpaste fame. Picture it: a microwave meal box emblazoned with the toothpaste brand’s logo. The moment the image appeared on screen, I could feel the collective wince in the room as the innovation didn’t align with the brand’s identity. Despite the toothpaste-flavoured lasagne being revealed as an urban myth, it demonstrated the need for proper market research. This would have revealed that consumers weren’t clamouring for dental hygiene companies to venture into ready meals – something that Colgate really did try back in the 1960s. It’s a brilliant reminder that innovation must be grounded in understanding our customers and in being authentic.

During one session, we were invited to share innovations that have genuinely improved our lives. The conversation was enlightening. Dishwashers free up precious time for family moments. Streaming services like Netflix eliminate the frustration of endless channel surfing, delivering entertainment when and how we want it. These aren’t flashy or complex innovations, but they’ve transformed our daily routines in meaningful ways.

Then there’s artificial intelligence, which continues to evolve at breathtaking speed. I’m particularly fond of the beauty tech applications that allow you to try different hairstyles or makeup looks virtually. Simply upload a photo, and you can experiment without the risk of a salon disaster or buyer’s remorse. It’s practical, empowering, and increasingly accessible.

Keep curious, keep adapting and you’ll find innovation flows naturally

My biggest takeaway from the forum is this: innovation surrounds us, and it’s a constant force in our evolution. But more importantly, innovation doesn’t always mean inventing something new. Sometimes, it’s about taking an existing product, changing it and finding a new market. 

As I reflect on the forum and look ahead to what’s next for Rothamsted Enterprises, I’m reminded that staying innovative requires curiosity, adaptability, and the courage to learn from both successes and failures. It means keeping our eyes firmly on the future whilst extracting wisdom from the past. It means really understanding our customers and aligning our solutions with their genuine needs.

So I’ll leave you with this question: what’s your favourite innovation, and why? I’d genuinely love to hear your thoughts, because the best innovations often emerge from conversations exactly like this one.