The Innovation Pyramid: A Strategic Methodology for Impactful Problem Solving

by Timothy L. Faley

Overview

The Innovation Pyramid is a learnable, repeatable, non-linear, knowledge-based innovation methodology. While traditional books on innovation focus on either assembling an innovation team with the right combination of innate abilities or developing a creativity skillset, the Innovation Pyramid instead trains readers to produce serial innovations successfully. The original method segments innovation into four distinct yet interrelated stages: (1) identification of the root problem, (2) formulation of a solution, (3) development of an execution plan and (4) implementation. At all stages, it considers the perspectives of both the innovator and the adopter, in order to increase the likelihood that innovations will achieve significant impact. Section I of the book describes the over-arching method of innovating. Section II details the creativity-based process for implementing the Innovation Pyramid methodology. Finally, the book's appendices include advanced techniques to enhance the utility of the Innovation Pyramid method.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781108825108
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	01/21/2021
Pages:	225
Product dimensions:	5.94(w) x 9.02(h) x 0.59(d)

About the Author

Timothy L. Faley is the Distinguished Professor of Entrepreneurship and Special Assistant to the University President, at the University of the Virgin Islands. His other books include The Entrepreneurial Arch (Cambridge, 2015).

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to the Book; Part I. Innovation Design and Execution: 2. Introduction to The Innovation Pyramid; 3. Level 1. Problem Identification; 4. Level 2. Solution Formulation; 5. Level 3. Plan; 6. Level 4. Perform; 7. Systematic Pyramid Review; Part II. The Diverge-Organize-Converge (DOC) Process: 8. DOC Overview; 9. Diverge; 10. Organize; 11. Converge; 12. Book Summary; Appendix A. Interviewing For Insight & Persona Development; Appendix B. Divergent Thinking Prompts.

Editorial Reviews

'The Innovation Pyramid clarifies the true meaning of innovation and dispels many popular misconceptions. It is not only a great resource for practitioners trying to innovate but also for executives trying to embed innovation capabilities in their organization.' Ravi Shanker, Global Business Advisor, The Dow Chemical Company

'Faley provides a definitive process to achieve success, laid out in a manner to ensure such a result. The examples provided help put a complex process in context. We can now all be successful innovators guided by his insights.' Richard Warburg, Partner, New Ventures Funds

'Between 1870 and 1970 America had one of the greatest periods of economic growth in all recorded history. The reason was the vast number of innovations including electricity, the automobile, telephone, sewer, electric refrigerator, antiseptic surgery, x-rays, antibiotics and running water. Since then, both economic growth and productivity have been disappointing. America desperately needs transformative technologies like the 1870-1970 period. Dr. Tim Faley, one of the world's experts on innovation, tells us how to do it in a book which is a must read for everyone who cares about America's future.' Kiril Sokolof, Chairman & Founder, 13D Global Strategy & Research

‘Anyone interested in Innovation should read The Innovation Pyramid - not only does Dr. Faley de-mystify innovation and the innovation process, re-framing some of the narrative about innovation along the way, but also describes a methodology and tools by which innovation can be learned and repeated. This book takes a wholistic and insightful look at the raw ingredients needed for creating innovation, and with the author’s gift for making complex topics easily understandable, presents a practical, common-sense framework for describing problems, identifying root-causes, and delivering effective solutions.’ Michael Sharer, Texas A&M University

From the Publisher