By Ian Smith

In a recent New York Times article by Steve Lohr (The Ying & the Yang of Corporate Innovation, published Jan 26th 2012) he quotes Paul Saffo as saying “there is nothing democratic about innovation. It’s always been an elite activity, whether by a recognized or unrecognized elite”. While this may or may not be the case, and while this may or may not be a sensitive subject in a US election year, what is definitely changing is the make up of that elite.

In the (corporate) past this elite, in the context of innovation, may have been defined by role, intelligence, specific expertise, proximity, relationships, control of funds…or even privilege. Technology, however, has ensured that anyone, in effect, can now be part of that elite…anyone that is who has access to the internet, is keen & enthusiastic and has an idea or opinion along with a perspective on the particular subject.

While the world has certainly seen specific & noteworthy individuals come up with breakthrough ideas on their own this is by no means the norm – the vast majority of people tend to think more incrementally. Cumulative ideation, based on the mutual exchange of thoughts, builds the incremental ideas of many into breakthrough concepts. As part of a network or crowd the pool of individuals who can now contribute is, effectively,  ‘multiples’ bigger than in the past. Networked communications and social media have combined to democratize innovation – as they have done many other things. Innovation, as a result, is no longer the realm of the privileged few.

The only challenge remaining is connecting people and focusing their collective talents and thoughts on the most pressing issues or opportunities…and fortunately ‘there’s and app for that’!