A Bird's-eye View AS A RECENT ADDITION to PPAI as the director of digital transformation, I am excited to be a part of innovation in the promotional products industry. Via my experiences in telecom from 2000 to 2012 with the first commercial VoIP systems and in healthcare financial technology from 2012 to 2023 with e-payments and electronic remittance advice rollouts, I have personally seen the impact that innovation can bring to an industry. A question worth considering though is, “What is innovation?” Innovation is a term that has become increasingly prominent in contemporary discourse. It is a concept that drives progress, fuels economic growth and reshapes the way we live and work. Is it merely the creation of new gadgets and technologies, or does it encompass a broader spectrum of human endeavors? Innovation can be defined as the process of introducing novel ideas, methods, products or services that bring about positive change and improve the status quo. It is not limited to technological advancements – rather, it encompasses a wide range of activities across different sectors, including business, science, healthcare, education and the arts. Forms of Innovation Technological: This is perhaps the most widely recognized form of innovation. It involves the development of new technologies, products or processes that advance human capabilities and efficiency. Examples of technological innovation range from the invention of the wheel to the latest breakthroughs in artificial intelligence and renewable energy. Product: Product innovation involves the creation of new or improved goods and services to meet evolving customer needs and preferences. Companies frequently invest in research and development to bring innovative products to market, enhancing their competitiveness. Process: Process innovation focuses on improving how tasks are performed within an organization. By streamlining Innovation is necessary for individuals, organizations and societies to thrive, and it is vital to the promotional products marketplace. By CW Karstens Rawpixel.com / Skylines / Shutterstock.com 38 • DECEMBER 2023 • PPAI Voices | Innovation
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzU4OQ==