Systematically innovate! What sounds like an oxymoron is actually a recipe for dependable results

Purpose – Strategic innovation competence is critical to business success in the world today. How to develop this competence is an even more critical issue facing businesses today. This paper aims to investigate this issue. Design/methodology/approach – This paper explains how companies can solve these dilemmas as it explores relevant innovation theory and practice with several short case studies. Principles underlying the development of an innovation competence and an explanation of how companies can put these principles into practice to overcome the most common innovation challenges are also discussed. Findings – The paper shows how ongoing, systematic innovation has become the only sustainable source of competitive advantage Originality/value – This paper discusses how companies can put the principles of innovation and change into their business and make it work for them.