Nurturing innovation

Innovation can help your business become more competitive, increase sales and enter new markets. The Innovation zone is designed so that you can find out what support and funding is available to help you innovate,
click here for more information.

We can help you to:

  • Invest in research and development (R&D)
  • Introduce new techniques and technologies in design and manufacturing
  • Protect your assets through intellectual property (IP) rights
  • Access facilities and expertise in universities and colleges

To find out more give us a call on 01522 668800.

The advice we offer is available to businesses based in Lincolnshire.

7 Tips for Innovation

Being innovative is actually more of a science than the concept of ‘creativity’. This means that you can become more innovative by following some summarised steps. These 7 tips are from Scott Berkun’s “the myths of innovation”.

1 – Persistence

Innovation takes more than good ideas it requires hard work and high focus, overcoming all hurdles that you find on your way. The end result of a creative idea is awe-worthy but what you don’t see is all the persistence behind it.“Invention is 1% inspiration, 99% perspiration” – Thomas A. Edison

2 – Remove self-limiting inhibitions

We create constraints in our own minds out of the habit of making assumptions. When you forget about those constraints and limitations then you are ‘thinking outside the box’; you should encourage yourself to be open to new ideas and solutions.

3 – Take risks. Make mistakes.

Fear of failure is one of the biggest restraints of innovation. It is logical to expect some ideas to fail but you can use them as a learning curve to improve your future ideas. Build prototypes often and test them out, gather feedback and experiment. Don’t punish yourself for failure, learn from it and try again.

4 – Escape

The environment that we surround ourselves in can majorly affect how we feel. Creativity usually comes to those who are relaxed, which is why a lot of ideas seem to appear when you least expect it. Many great-thinkers go on long walks or even having a quick shower can change your scenery and help creativity flow.

5 – Write things down

Many innovators keep a journal or sketch book to note down thoughts, inspiration and ideas, even if they are small. It may lead to something bigger in future when you’re flicking back through the pages. Leonardo Da Vinci’s famous notebook was purchased by Bill Gates for $30.8 Million dollars.

6 – Find patterns and create combinations

Ideas often grow from other ideas, for example, Edison wasn’t the first person to come up with the idea for the lightbulb. He was first to build the carbon filament inside the glass bulb, which made the bulb last longer. Finding patterns with your own ideas or existing ideas can improve your own solutions.

7 – Curiosity

Being inquisitive is a great trait to have, it can help you to find alternative ways to do things which may be better than the original way. Practise seeing things differently and stay curious, it will help with your innovation.

Working With The University Of Lincoln

By working working with the University of Lincoln you can access academic expertise. We can help you develop your new product or service by:

  • Finding academic partners for research and development
  • Accessing specialist services such as laboratories or testing facilities
  • Finding students, graduates and postgraduates to work on your project through schemes like Knowledge Transfer Partnerships

The University of Lincoln has a huge amount of expert knowledge and facilities which can help you develop your idea.

Find out more about working with University of Lincoln.

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