Idea Czar’s are the catalyst for new products, processes, and services.  Here are several traits and characteristics that make up an Idea Czar.


PERSONALITY PROFILE: Innovators are energetic, imaginative, and creative people who take inspiration from the world around them. Many are non-linear thinkers and can switch between using both the right and left-hand sides of their brain. They enjoy taking risks and have a strong thirst for exploration, understanding, and knowledge.


AN ENDANGERED SPECIES: Did you know that inventor innovators are a rare and endangered species?  Think about it: how many do you know?  (Leonardo da Vinci, Walt Disney, Buckminster Fuller, or Nikola Tesla don’t count since they are not alive.)


IN HIGH DEMAND: Many companies and organizations are in need of idea czars because they are the innovative souls who think beyond the confines of the box. They push and play beyond the boundaries of common expectations and forge ahead into the realms of possibility. This is where they wield their creative wands to create both products and services that change the world we live in.


THE ART OF INVENTING: For most inventors the art of inventing just happens.  It is hard to explain, but it is comes down to being in that exact moment in time when a difficult concept is suddenly grasped. In that instant of understanding an idea is born. Inventions are mostly brought on by the need to solve a problem, a problem that is most likely brought on by another invention or a family of inventions. Regardless of why we invent, the way we invent is important. To invent means to learn and to challenge conventional thinking. It helps to put the mind into the field or discipline where the problem may exist; then once you’re there, you must break past common conceptions and be open to new possibilities.

The Idea Czar Profile

IDEA MAVERICK

Idea Coach, Idea Guru, Idea Genius, Idea Mastermind, Idea Chef, Idea Producer

Idea CEO, Idea Pathfinder, Idea Star, Idea Principal, Idea Chief, Idea Director

Idea Generator, Idea Pro, Idea Man, Idea Artist, Idea Smith, Idea Painter

Chief Creative Officer, Chief Innovation Officer, Innovation Coach

Create. Innovate. Build. Strategize.

Envision. Synthesize. Act. Connect.

Lead. Deploy. Complete. Champion.

INVENTIONS IN PERSPECTIVE: Over 15,000 patents have been issued to Xerox. Only 16 individuals in their history, however, have broken the 100 patent mark with one reaching 155. On average it takes three months to a year to file a patent and another three for it to be awarded. Not every patent application becomes a patent, but generally speaking, to go from idea to patent takes four years, and $10,000. In comparison, in the pharmaceutical field, it takes 10 to 15 years to develop a product and to complete clinical trials and regulatory reviews, which means that a five year old would have to wait until three years into college to receive the medical benefit. Also, the of cost of development is approaching $600 million per drug.


NETWORK: To be efficient and successful it is important to have a network. A network may include individuals or firms who can support the development of an idea. The network may include product, design, strategy, marketing and branding firms, engineering development and analysis firms, manufacturers and distributors, patent and licensing lawyers, and of course attorneys, accountants, and bankers. The point here is that even though the idea may be created by a single individual, it takes a small army to make it into a reality.


RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT: In 1987 the United States peaked its funding of Research & Development spending as a percentage of its GDP. This led to its innovation peak and subsequent innovation drain. In 1995, the United States leadership in economic competitiveness and market leadership was number one in the world. However, with fewer dollars being invested into R&D year after year the growth rate of innovation began to slow.  By 1999 the Innovation Index showed the US lagging behind Japan and Switzerland. It won’t be long until the US falls further as there is a new surge of innovation centers opening in emerging economies like, China, India, Ireland, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan. So, what does this mean? It means that innovation is growing globally, and that there is a decreasing body of innovative talent in the US. And as more of the baby boomers retire and R&D funding continues to drop, there will be less  experienced talent to source.

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