Putting the “I” in Innovation
CEO Commentary by Mike McMorris
I recently had the opportunity to speak at the SPARK Symposium hosted by Grand River Agricultural Society (GRAS). This is the third annual event focused on innovation in the agri-food sector. Each year, companies with a new product make a pitch, telling the audience why they should be excited and perhaps invest in the company.
Innovation is a system that relies on having funding, clear and meaningful priorities, excellent project management, means of getting research into practice (GRIP), and commercialization. The key ingredient to successful innovation though is clear: people.
While the inventors make the pitch and, hopefully, the headline, there are a cast of supporters that are critical to success.
Supporting cast include:
- Networkers, those that can introduce inventor to people in industry and funding agencies
- Mentors that can offer sage advice along the way
- Investors that provide the all-important funds needed along the way of invention, before sales can begin
- Passionate supporters that provide encouragement and exposure via events like SPARK
- Early adopters that are willing to take some risk by buying into the invention before all the kinks have been ironed out.
Anyone interested in the innovation of agri-food, including the livestock sector should ask themselves “How do I put the I in Innovation?” What role can I play as a member of the supporting cast?
