Overview of sustaining and embedding innovations

This section focuses on:

• The different stages of innovation from invention to systemic innovation.
• Definitions of sustainability and embedding.
• Understanding the serendipitous nature of innovation.

 

Key messages:

• There is often a misunderstanding of the differences between invention and innovation and it is important to recognise that there are different stages of innovation.
• Sustainability in innovation projects can be defined as embedding change as well as maintaining and enhancing project outcomes.
• Sustainability is not necessarily about maintaining all project activities and being dependent on further funding. 
• The institutional environment is key to sustaining and embedding innovation e.g. appropriate organisational structures, a more business-like and entrepreneurial approach to innovation and building capacity for an innovation culture.
• Unanticipated benefits emerge from projects which can help innovations become more sustainable and embedded.