ABSTRACT
One common question asked is how innovation differs from techniques such as Quality Improvement and Six Sigma. These techniques encourage continuous improvement, improved efficiencies, and greater productivity-all critical goals for most organizations. Yet, innovation is different, as the goal of innovation is to take the organization to its next logical developmental step. This chapter answers the question and provides specific reasons why innovation does not replace continuous improvement but moves the business or organization forward toward significant cost savings, sustained competitive advantage, and significant customer (patient) satisfaction.
