U1.07 — Types of innovation

Overview

Innovation means creating something new or improving what already exists to add value, solve problems, or stay competitive. It can happen gradually — or completely transform an industry.

There are two key categories of innovation and several main types that describe how it happens in business.

🌀Categories of Innovation
1️⃣Incremental Innovation

Definition: Small, ongoing improvements made to existing products, services, or processes.

Examples:

  • Apple improving battery life and cameras in each new iPhone.
  • A Perth café refining its ordering system to serve customers faster.
  • Local gyms adding an online booking app.

Why it matters: Keeps businesses competitive and relevant through gradual, low-risk improvement.

2️⃣Disruptive Innovation

Definition: Major changes that transform how an entire industry operates, often replacing older methods or products.

Examples:

  • Canva (founded in Perth) replacing expensive design software with a simple online platform.
  • Uber disrupting the taxi industry.
  • Netflix replacing traditional video rental stores.

Why it matters: Creates new markets, shifts customer behaviour, and forces older businesses to adapt or fail.

⚙️Types of Innovation
🔹Product Innovation

Definition: Creating new products or improving existing ones.

Examples:

  • Micrology Coffee releasing a ready-to-drink cold brew range.
  • Electric vehicle companies improving battery life and design.
🔹Process Innovation

Definition: Changing how a product or service is produced or delivered to make it faster, cheaper, or more efficient.

Examples:

  • WA mining companies using drones to survey sites.
  • Bakeries using automated mixing and tracking systems.
🔹Marketing Innovation

Definition: Finding new ways to promote, package, or price a product or service.

Examples:

  • Perth restaurants using influencer marketing on Instagram.
  • Local fashion labels focusing on sustainable branding and packaging.
🔹Organisational (or Business Model) Innovation

Definition: Changing how a business operates or is managed to improve performance.

Examples:

  • A Perth café introducing employee profit-sharing.
  • Start-ups moving to hybrid or remote work structures.
🔹Service Innovation

Definition: Developing new or improved services that meet customer needs in fresh and effective ways.

Examples:

  • Local gyms offering virtual personal training sessions.
  • Perth-based cleaning services introducing eco-friendly, flexible packages.
  • Banks introducing 24/7 chat support or mobile app features.