From idea to innovation: identifying innovator requirements

NO one possesses all the requirements to take on the role of the bottom-up innovator: the role that involves coming up with an idea and bringing it successfully to the marketplace or improving organizational performance. Those requirements involve satisfying five attributes: 1) adequate knowledge, 2) skills, 3) competencies and capabilities, 4) breadth of experiences, and 5) personal characteristics. In essence, the bottom-up innovator will meet the requirements of an intrapreneur or find colleagues and others to function as surrogates. Only the very exceptional person will be able to fulfill all of the requirements.