Weaving Innovation into the Fabric of Transformation: An e-Training Approach to Innovation

In normal times it is said that ldquonecessity is the mother of inventionrdquo but in extraordinary times innovation must become the ldquomother of transformationrdquo. Transformation in how we act transformation in how we produce goods and services and transformation in how we think. We contend that unleashing the natural energy of entrepreneurs, by connecting their personal passions and prior knowledge to the generation of opportunities, holds potential for developing the innovations needed in this time of transformation. This article chronicles the development of an e-training tutorial that employs a creative problem solving methodology to help entrepreneurially alert students identify innovative opportunities. This paper demonstrates that in order to generate both quantity and quality, ideas must be rooted in the individual´s personal passion.