I define innovation as the natural evolution of culture and technology. Much like every generation exists in response to their parents' generation, technological innovation is a response to the limitations of the previous technology. Disruption is the introduction of a new technology, which causes a fundamental change in the way society functions. This could be something as small as the development of the personal computer, or as large as the creation of the internet.
An example of cultural disruption is the counterculture that grew out of the 1960s. That was, intentionally at times, disruptive. It rejected their parents' previous culture and values, seeking to create something new.
Innovation, then, is the incorporation of that new technology into the mainstream. It takes the disruption and makes new cultures and technology workable for the greater population. Instead of a small number of people using new technology in an experimental way, innovation brings that technology to the masses.
The counterculture fashion styles of the 1960s were adopted, or even co-opted, by the cultural mainstream. Changing from the long, dreaded hair of the hippy to the hair band style flair of the late 70s.
-Adam David Jones, Zeer CEO and Founder, www.zeersafe.com
