Reading through the “Experts Definition of Innovation” (Skillicorn, 2016), I could tell that there are certain “keywords” that were used by several experts. These keywords are – creativity, customer satisfaction, customer relationship, implementing new ideas. The experts also have various suggestions to instill creativity and promote innovation through their employees, mostly by investing in innovative ideas, trying to be open–minded, bold, and always thinking of ways to improve customer’s lives. SAS has more or less the same Mantra (Florida, 2005). SAS has developed a unique framework of managing creativity, and takes into consideration its customers, software developers, managers and support staff. They keep their employees intellectually engaged by removing any distractions. The managers take responsibility in sparking creativity among employees. Finally, they engage customer as creative partners, which enables them to deliver superior products. One factor that I feel plays a big role in SAS’ success and was not suggested by the experts is SAS’ investment in its employees. Making almost all facilities available on campus helps employees to focus on their work. At the same time, the company actually discourages employees from working overtime. Employees know that their work is appreciated and this helps to keep up their morale.

References

Skillicorn, N. (March 2016). What is innovation? 15 experts share their innovation definition. Innovation.

Florida, R. and Goodnight, J. (July-August 2005). Managing for Creativity. Innovation.