THE CONNECTIONS BETWEEN
INNOVATION AND
CROWDSOURCING
Word count (excluding title page and bibliography): 1151
Lecturer: Michael Adams
Mankind has always thought about how to do things better. From the invention of the
wheel to landing on the moon, humans have always evolved. Inventing new things and
innovation are directly related but are two different things. Invention is the process of
thinking new things, things that do not exist yet. On the other hand, innovation differs by
actually putting the inventions to use. The process of implementing an innovation requires
different types of capabilities, skills and knowledge. Innovation is a very important aspect
for companies who want to be successful. Innovations lead to economic growth and better
product development. Innovation can be achieved in closed and open environments.
Closed innovation happens at companies where individuals, scientists and employees put
their research and knowledge together to develop innovative products and processes. Open
innovation is done by working together with individuals outside the company by using their
knowledge and skills. One type of open innovation involves crowdsourcing. The term
crowdsourcing was first applied by Wired 1 magazine writer Jeff Howe in 2006 and his
definition of crowdsourcing is as following: “Crowdsourcing is the act of taking a job
1Wired magazine is a monthly American magazine about the following topics: new technology, economy,
culture and politics.
INNOVATION AND
CROWDSOURCING
Word count (excluding title page and bibliography): 1151
Lecturer: Michael Adams
Mankind has always thought about how to do things better. From the invention of the
wheel to landing on the moon, humans have always evolved. Inventing new things and
innovation are directly related but are two different things. Invention is the process of
thinking new things, things that do not exist yet. On the other hand, innovation differs by
actually putting the inventions to use. The process of implementing an innovation requires
different types of capabilities, skills and knowledge. Innovation is a very important aspect
for companies who want to be successful. Innovations lead to economic growth and better
product development. Innovation can be achieved in closed and open environments.
Closed innovation happens at companies where individuals, scientists and employees put
their research and knowledge together to develop innovative products and processes. Open
innovation is done by working together with individuals outside the company by using their
knowledge and skills. One type of open innovation involves crowdsourcing. The term
crowdsourcing was first applied by Wired 1 magazine writer Jeff Howe in 2006 and his
definition of crowdsourcing is as following: “Crowdsourcing is the act of taking a job
1Wired magazine is a monthly American magazine about the following topics: new technology, economy,
culture and politics.
