Politics vs Innovation

I was often wondering how companies are able to foster innovation and free thinking within the existing framework of politics and "our own people" policies. Can it happen that only the management’s pets are able to come with ideas or the least make sure that they are heard? If that’s the case, can this be original idea? I am afraid if an employee does "sugar coating" his boss first before he is given a chance to come up with ideas. Often, organizations realize the importance of innovation later. They setup innovation committees and dedicated teams to work on patents. But they won’t realize that innovation should be part of the way the do business and it is not a separate function. It often goes as a surprise to many employees what all basic concepts they could patent. Once the initial enthusiasm dies out, it is just any other day in office.

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