Challenges to innovation

Fagerberg (2004) sustains that openness to new ideas and solutions are considered essential for innovative projects, especially in the early phases. The principle reason for this has to do with a fundamental characteristic of innovation: that every new innovation consists of a new combination of existing ideas, capabilities, skills, and resources. If in a system, one component is lacking, or fails to progress or develop, this may block or slow down the growth of the entire system. In order to fulfill the potential of the new innovation, such investments often need to be accompanied by radical changes in the organization of the institution and, more generally, attitudes (Fagerberg, 2004). The organization should aim to solve problems, as although change innovation may strengthen existing models, it brings a certain amount of anxiety and can be very threatening (Moesvei 2013). Schools are conservative in nature (Hess, Mehta, Schwartz, 2012) and when people do not understand the nature or implications of educational changes, whether it is a voluntarily or involuntarily change, they experience ambivalence about its meaning, form, or consequences (Fullan, 2001).

Davies (2004) declared that the challenge is in enabling everyone in the school to make their own contribution towards creating the shared, desired future. Bolman and Deal, (2003) emphasise that organizations are like arenas, contests, where interests compete for power and scarce resources. Conflict is rampant because of enduring differences in needs, perspectives, and lifestyles among competing individuals and groups. Bargaining, negotiation, coercion, and compromise are a normal part of everyday life. Coalitions form around specific interests and change as issues come and go. Problems arise when power is concentrated in a non-effective leadership position, making it impossible for the organization to disperse energy, and consequently, nothing gets done. Such ambiguity in this leadership position is dangerous and carries with it problems as well as possibilities (Thomson, Hall, Jonas, 2013).

Thus communication is key when innovation is taking place. Sharing aims and effective collaboration between the stakeholders ensure that progress can be made. However, it can be seen that innovation carries with it inherent challenges; I believe an awareness of these is essential when examining innovation in a specific situation.