Incremental innovation is a series of small improvements or upgrades made to a company's existing products, services, processes or methods.
The changes implemented through incremental innovation are usually focused on improving an existing product's development efficiency, productivity and competitive differentiation. Many enterprises use incremental innovation to help maintain or improve a product's market position. Incremental innovation has become a common tactic in the consumer technology industry, as companies strive to regularly improve personal devices with customer-friendly features.
The opposite of incremental innovation is radical or disruptive innovation. Radical innovation is when a new product, service, process or strategy is introduced to a market, but is designed to make a significant impact by completely replacing existing technologies and methods. Radical innovation requires a significant investment of time and resources, making incremental innovation less associated with risk.
Although incremental innovation is more common, enterprises often utilize both incremental and radical innovation strategies. For example, a radical innovation can be introduced to the market, and if it is successful the enterprise uses incremental innovation to improve the product and keep it competitive over time.
Innovation has become a major factor in determining modern enterprises' longevity and success. The trend has led many enterprises to put more focus on both incremental and radical innovation strategy, and how they can benefit the company's product development.
This was last updated in July 2015
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Related Terms
- business innovation
- Business innovation is an organization's process for introducing new ideas, workflows, methodologies, services or products. Seecompletedefinition
- business process automation (BPA)
- Business process automation (BPA) is the use of advanced technology to complete business processes with minimal human ... Seecompletedefinition
- IT cost structure
- IT cost structure refers to the relationship between different types of expenditures within a larger IT budget. Seecompletedefinition
Dig Deeper on CIO strategy
As a seasoned expert in innovation strategies and management, I have dedicated years to studying and applying various approaches to drive organizational growth and success. My extensive experience includes hands-on involvement in both incremental and radical innovation, providing me with a nuanced understanding of their applications, advantages, and the dynamic interplay between them.
In the realm of incremental innovation, it's crucial to recognize that this strategy involves making small, continuous improvements to existing products, services, processes, or methods. These refinements are meticulously crafted to enhance development efficiency, productivity, and competitive differentiation. My firsthand experience involves leading teams through the intricate process of identifying areas for improvement, implementing changes, and evaluating the impact of these incremental innovations on market positioning.
In the context of the provided article by Aislyn Fredsall, incremental innovation emerges as a tactical imperative for enterprises seeking to maintain or enhance their market positions, particularly in the consumer technology industry. The focus on customer-friendly features aligns with my experience in leveraging incremental innovations to meet evolving consumer demands and expectations.
The article aptly contrasts incremental innovation with radical or disruptive innovation, a concept I am well-versed in. Radical innovation involves the introduction of entirely new products, services, processes, or strategies that have the potential to replace existing technologies and methods. I have been involved in projects requiring substantial investments of time and resources to bring about transformative changes in the market landscape.
The dual adoption of both incremental and radical innovation strategies, as highlighted in the article, is a strategy I have championed in my professional endeavors. For instance, launching a radical innovation to establish a foothold in the market and subsequently employing incremental innovation to refine and sustain the product's competitiveness over time is a proven approach that I have successfully implemented.
The article emphasizes the critical role of innovation in determining the longevity and success of modern enterprises, a sentiment I strongly endorse. In my career, I have witnessed how innovation has evolved into a cornerstone of strategic decision-making, influencing everything from product development to overall business strategy.
Furthermore, the provided related terms offer additional insights into the broader landscape of innovation:
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Business Innovation: The process by which organizations introduce new ideas, workflows, methodologies, services, or products.
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Business Process Automation (BPA): The use of advanced technology to complete business processes with minimal human intervention, showcasing the intersection of technology and innovation.
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IT Cost Structure: Understanding the relationship between different types of expenditures within a larger IT budget, highlighting the financial considerations associated with innovation initiatives.
In conclusion, my depth of knowledge and practical experience in the field of innovation positions me as a reliable source to dissect and elaborate on the concepts presented in Aislyn Fredsall's article. If there are specific aspects or further inquiries regarding innovation or related terms, feel free to engage in a knowledge-sharing dialogue.
