With a reputation as a country that punches above its weight, Australia tends to take an optimistic view of innovation.
However recent research into the Australian landscape finds we’re falling behind the rest of the world when it comes to agile workplaces where innovation thrives. While 40 per cent of business leaders are aware of the need to innovate, only 25 per cent regard innovation as core to their business.
A recently published eBook, Innovate for change: How Australian organisations can transform by embracing a culture of innovation and new ways of working, offers practical insights into what needs to change to drive innovation and transform organisations.
A transparent vision for disruption
Ricoh Australia’s managing director Andy Berry says organisations need to start with a transparent vision for change that the entire workforce understands. “Strong and clear leadership is needed for innovation to be successful,” he says.
“Tackling that disruption head on means a long-term commitment to innovation, to the right digital technologies to support it, and a readiness to work through the discomfort change can bring for the workforce.”
From collaboration to innovation
While most organisations are using traditional collaboration technology, 36 per cent acknowledge they aren’t using the tools in an integrated or systematic way. This lack of integration creates a fragmented working environment, where innovation is stifled, and frustration can set in with technology that’s not up to the task of connecting across offices. Collaborative tools are crucial to staying relevant and effective.
The journey to digital
While the research shows that Australia is lagging when it comes to implementing digital solutions, the good news is, the journey to digital can happen in phases and still deliver value.
Must-read innovation research
The eBook, Innovate for change, offers insights and practical recommendations across Australia’s innovation climate, threats to innovation and workplace productivity, developing a culture for innovation and reducing workplace fragmentation.
