Innovation versus Improvisation

Innovation vs Improvisation
Jose Luis Roces, Professor, Argentina, Premium Member
The gap between innovation from improvisation is market acceptance, discipline in execution, and continuous improvement.

The Difference Between Innovation and Improvisation
R.S. MATHUR, Teacher, India, Member
Improvisation is a quick-fix solution to a problem, when time or resources, or both, are scarce. The solution leaves much to be desired and I tend to agree with Mr. Jose Luis Roces comments. I would also like to add that legal issues too may sometimes be involved.
In India the 'jugaad' culture is all about solving the problem anyhow and moving on.

INNOVATION versus IMPROVISATION
Guilluy Olivier, CxO / Board, France, Member
@Jose Luis Roces: I disagree with your answer.
Improvisation and innovation are not playing in the same category and in a way are not to be opposed.
Improvisation is more about capacity to react in front of an unforeseen event and to leverage available resource to provide an answer.
Innovation is not answer to an event but a process and an attitude aiming at identifying opportunities and providing the framework to transform that idea into a product, solution, service.

What Innovation and Improvisation Have in Common
Jaap de Jonge, Editor, Netherlands
It's also interesting to consider common characteristics of innovation and improvisation:
- Both are processes, activities
- Both are exploring uncharted territory
- Both are aimed at finding a solution for some practical problem, often involving technology.
- Both require/involve creativity
- Both have a tension inside of them in between the need for short-term flexibility and creativity versus the need to organize and find a more organized, permanent solution for the issue at hand.