The Innovation Race takes readers on a lively global adventure to explore the current state of innovation. Along the way best-selling authors Andrew and Gaia Grant search for clues on how to stay ahead in the race and design a more sustainable future. Asking the critical questions - Why do we innovate? Are we at risk of innovating for the sake of innovation? What could we be doing better? - the Grants reflect on whether, if in the race to come up with the next big thing,' we may be losing the purpose behind the process. They then outline how to navigate the key paradoxical challenges that can either frustrate or fuel innovation to change the game. By taking the latest academic research and presenting it in an accessible way, the Grants present a compelling case for forging a new path for the future.

The Innovation Race provides concrete strategies to support purpose-driven sustainable innovation through deep cultural transformation. A unique profiling tool reveals current organisation positioning along with potential opportunities and challenges. A practical culture change model then provides clear direction for proactive change. With economists estimating that up to 80 per cent of growth comes from new ideas and innovations, this thought-provoking book provides the strategies and tools to learn how to create an innovation culture for long term success.

The Innovation Race will make you reassess what you assumed you knew about innovation, help boost the innovation process to new levels and bring your organisation to the forefront.

ANDREW GRANT AND GAIA GRANT are the co-founders and executive directors of Tirian International Consultancy (www.tirian.com). Together, they have co-authored the breakthrough bestselling book,Who Killed Creativity? and more than 30 other leadership resources and programs used with executive clients internationally. Find out more at www.the-innovation-race.com.

Acknowledgements xvii

Preface xix

Part I: Preparation for the global reality race 1

Destination: Australia

Chapter 1: The Amazing Innovation Race 3

Who wins, who loses, who gets eliminated and why we need to change the game

Chapter 2: Shifting Perspectives 29

The value of diverse perspectives on creative thinking and innovation

Chapter 3: Are you a Tourist or Traveller? 51

How cultural awareness can encourage empathy and increase the potential for purpose-driven innovation

Chapter 4: Picasso and the Paradoxical Innovation Process 67

Understanding the challenges of innovation journey, from imagination and ideation to implementation

Part II: Destinations 91

Chapter 5: Liberate 93

How to liberate a culture for open innovation

Destination: Africa

Chapter 6: Initiate 139

How to initiate the innovation process through open connections for exploring diverse ideas

Destination: Europe

Chapter 7: Motivate 183

How to motivate individuals and teams to come up with unified solutions

Destination: Asia

Chapter 8: Transform 223

How to transform a culture for implementing innovation

Destination: The Americas

Part III: The future of the race 261

Destination: Antarctica

Chapter 9: Pawns and Players 263

Who really wins in the end?

Chapter 10: Future Trends 279

The new innovation agenda

Notes 297

Index 339