Some years back, I was working for a space company that operated satellites. As an engineer with a passion for renewable energy, I had what I believed was a groundbreaking idea then: to harness the power generated by our stationary satellites on footprint areas and convert it into usable electricity on Earth.

Excited by this concept, I took initiative and proactively approached department leaders and technical experts within the company. I presented my vision with enthusiasm, hoping to spark interest in this potential energy solution. Unfortunately, after these initial conversations, I heard nothing back. The idea languished within the structure of the organization which they believed was “super innovative”.

Months later, I discovered that a similar concept had been developed and patented by researchers at the University of Washington, and ESA (European Space Agency) initiated some programs that supports such technologies. Anyways the opportunity was gone already.

Same Industry, Different Approach

Fast forward, I moved on working with several other companies. At one particular organization which was identical in business and downstream services profile, I encountered a dramatically different approach to innovation. Here, the CEO personally engaged with employees at all levels, moderating discussions about new ideas and potential patents. This company didn’t just talk about innovation — they created systems to support it, providing patent assistance and recognizing employees who contributed novel concepts.

The results were transformative. This ecosystem of innovation led to numerous patents and technological advancements. Some ideas even developed into successful spin-off products, creating entirely new market opportunities.

What Makes Innovation Real?

From my experience, here are the key elements that separate genuine innovation cultures from pretenders:

1. Leadership Engagement: When leadership actively participates rather than delegates innovation to committees
2. Supportive Systems: Formal processes for patent assistance and development resources
3. Recognition: Celebrating and rewarding innovative thinking creates positive feedback loops
4. Implementation Pathways: Clear routes from idea to reality, whether internal or as spin-offs

The Lesson

The lesson became clear: Many companies include words like “strategy” and “innovation” in their mission statements, but only some build the genuine environment and ecosystem required for innovation to flourish. True innovation requires more than buzzwords — it demands a solid plan for creating the right conditions where creative ideas can be recognized, developed, and implemented.

For any organization serious about fostering innovation, establishing this supportive environment isn’t optional — it’s essential.