Page 6 - newDATAmagazine® | 17>09>2022
P. 6
EDITORIAL newDATA
MAGAZINE
TRUE Innovation
I recover the theme of innovation, explored It is the people who are in the companies
in the article "The importance of PEOPLE in that depend on them for a living. Therefore,
innovation, as a survival strategy for SMEs," putting people at the centre of the disruption,
in which I presented the notion of "innovation differentiation, and change inherent to a "true
as a survival strategy," especially considering innovation" is reasoning that will be within
the context of Small and Medium Enterprises everyone's reach, but what matters the most
(SMEs). is to explain how this can happen.
I accept that this is only one perspective of It is essential to understand that SMEs are
the problem. Still, even so, I return to the the ones that have the fewest tools to
subject considering that there are three innovate and are, in general, structures
determining ideas behind it: what is without financial stability. This reality is
innovation, what is the universe of SMEs, and incompatible with innovation procurement
what is their financial profile. processes, which generally happen by hiring
First of all, the definition of innovation that external consultants. If, on the one hand,
seems more realistic to me is the one external hiring brings solutions to companies
presented in the Oslo Manual (OECD and that don't have the resources to find them, on
Eurostat, 2018), which says: Innovation is the other hand, it generates a severe
more than a new idea or invention. An dependency: solving problems through
innovation requires implementation, either by innovation requires recurrent investment.
being put into use or made available for use So, what is the solution? The answer is to
by other parties, firms, individuals or train people. The need for investment is
organizations." Secondly, it should be borne much lower, and the results are lasting
in mind that, according to the Worldbank , because it equips the company with the
SMEs account for 90% of businesses and know-how capable of implementing internal
employ more than 50% of people globally. innovation processes without the permanent
Finally, according to the Worldbank , SMEs are and costly external dependence.
less likely to get bank loans than large We are in the presence of the old "make or
companies and rely on their funds, or money buy" dilemma. In this case, the solution is
from friends and family, to launch and run "make" and, for this, it is necessary to TRAIN,
their companies. to INNOVATE!
It seems to me that the alignment of these
four ideas, "survival strategy," "innovate is Horácio Lopes
implement," "90% SMEs worldwide", and Gestor de projetos . Consultor de
"funding is difficult," suggests that the Gestão . Editor newDATAmagazine ®
Formador
solution lies with people. Perfil | Profile
6 newDATAmagazine.com
