How is innovation best defined?

Innovation is best defined as an improvement on an existing product or method because it encompasses a wide range of approaches to enhancing what already exists rather than just creating something entirely new. This definition captures the essence of innovation, which often involves refining, reimagining, or optimizing current technologies, products, or processes to better meet user needs or market demands. For instance, many successful innovations are iterations or enhancements of previous inventions, such as the development of smartphones that improved on earlier mobile phone designs by integrating multiple functionalities and advanced software capabilities.

In contrast, defining innovation solely as a new product created from scratch neglects the significant value that arises from incremental advancements. Additionally, the idea that innovation is only documentation of a design process overlooks the actual implementation and impact of those designs. Finally, considering innovation as a concept that has never been utilized disregards the practical aspect that innovation must provide a solution or improvement in practical applications, rather than just being theoretical or untested. Thus, the broader view of innovation as improvement allows for a more comprehensive understanding of how new ideas, products, and methodologies emerge and evolve in any field.