Idea incubation is the process of bringing ideas to life, often starting with a single person and involving others to make the idea stronger. Companies promote incubation by encouraging collaboration and an open environment. Successful incubation requires strong leadership and an entrepreneurial spirit.
Idea incubation is a process of bringing ideas into reality. It begins at a very fundamental level, often with a single individual presenting a concept that he feels needs to be further explored. This individual involves others in the incubation process, making the idea stronger and more viable. Ultimately, the idea can be turned into a product, assuming funding can be secured and the idea is commercially viable.
Many companies promote idea incubation by bringing workers together in collaborative environments. Especially in the case of software companies, employees are actively encouraged to spend time at work thinking about problems and ways to solve them. Cooperative groups work best for incubation because other group members can identify the strengths and weaknesses of the idea, resulting in a stronger finished product.
Many startups start with incubating ideas in a house or restaurant somewhere. A quick-thinking entrepreneur can identify a problem, a solution, and a way to make the solution marketable. Idea incubation can involve a simple problem and an innovative solution or a complex problem that requires creative effort from several individuals. If the incubation process is successful, an entrepreneur can present a concrete concept to a larger company, resulting in increased funding for development.
As the idea gets stronger, it is introduced to a larger group. This allows for incomplete ideas to be more thoroughly investigated before being promoted, meaning ideas are less likely to be ignored and fall through the cracks. It also means that as an idea gains momentum, the growing group of individuals associated with it can contribute to the concept.
Some companies offer their services as incubators of professional ideas. These companies employ a staff of people trained to think innovatively. Idea incubator companies often provide product development support throughout the process, from initial vague concept to commercial production.
To foster the incubation of ideas, an open environment is needed. Rigid business environments with defined bureaucracies tend to favor the development of lesser ideas. The free exchange of information, the use of conflict as a development tool and equality between incubators of ideas allow companies to come up with innovative product concepts. Teams are encouraged to take risks and think outside the box. Smaller companies tend to be more successful incubators of ideas, due to the more egalitarian and open environment fostered within small companies.
A successful incubation can involve products ranging from clothespins to computers. Ultimately, strong leadership and executive skills are required, along with an entrepreneurial spirit. Once an idea has been incubated, it needs to be developed, prototyped and commercially presented. Appointing a team leader can encourage this, as well as create a work environment where all employees are encouraged to make contributions.
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