Innovation

INTRODUCTION 1

1.EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 2

2.ELEMENTS OF INNOVATION 2

2.1 THE TYPES OF INNOVATION 3

2.2 CLASSIFICATION OF INNOVATION 4

2.3 DRIVERS OF INNOVATION 4

2.4 ENABLERS OF INNOVATION 5

2.5 BARRIERS TO INNOVATION 6

3. INNOVATION WITHIN BANKING ORGANISATIONS 7

3.1 TUNNEL VISION AS A BARRIER 9

3.2 CUSTOMERS AS ENABLER WITH LEGISLATION AS A DRIVER 9

4. INNOVATION AS A TOOL 10

4. RECOMMENDATIONS 10

4.1 THE MAVERICKS 11

4.2 READ THE SIGNS 11

4.3 COMMUNICATE 12

4.4 IDEAS INCLUDE 12

5. CONCLUSION 12

REFERENCES 13

INTRODUCTION

Innovation is defined as the application of knowledge in a novel way, primarily for economic benefit. Innovations have two main characteristics. First, innovations break the mould by applying knowledge in some novel way. Second, innovations are the result of a chain of events that starts with the original idea, invention or discovery, and then proceeds (usually in a chaotic manner) though prototype construction, financing, customer demonstration, field trials, engineering, and production, marketing and finally sales. Only by successfully completing this obstacle course can an invention be considered innovation. Apart from skill and resources, the most important requirements are clear head, an ability to improvise and dogged determination.

Revenue growth is the primary driver of shareholder value and the number one challenge for financial services companies in South Africa and the world. Yet, at the same time the industry’s growth objectives are often tempered by a continuing focus on cost containment, legislative and regulatory environment in SA. Financial institutions need to evaluate the role of innovation in both creating and sustaining revenue growth.

1.EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

In today’s highly competitive environment financial organisations must use every competitive advantage to attract new customers, retain existing customers and reduce cost in order to maximise profits.

The real challenge though, is to attempt all of the above while faced with what is seen as barriers of innovation. These include rigid strategic planning, culture, structures, intolerance, and tunnel vision. It is not difficult to understand when organisations within the banking environment show shocking signs of ageing organisations.

It is clear that the financial services industry is best measured within, Abrahams & Knights 2001, pg 21, Diffusion Theory of innovation. Looking at the trends, barriers and enablers of innovations’ financial context, a combination of incremental and radical change/approach is the obvious next step to ensure the future curve.

2.ELEMENTS OF INNOVATION

Source:Adapted from EM Van Zyl 2005

2.1 THE TYPES OF INNOVATION

 product

 process

 organizational

 and marketing

Product innovation relates to both goods and services. It is when a good or service is introduced to the firm or it is new to the firm. For example, Nedbank Personal Loans division implemented the Auto Account. The bank was