“We need to out-innovate, outeducate and outbuild the rest of the world.†This was President Obama’s memorable quote from the 2011 State of the Union Address that summed up what we need to do as a country. Innovation is critical. It is at the center of the radar. But first, we need to teach people how to do it. From the hundreds of groups that I’ve worked with to teach innovation to, I’ve found that many know that innovation is very important, but they aren’t exactly sure what it entails and how to do it. You are on the right website. Awareness is the first stage. We need to increase innovation literacy amongst general citizens, not just directors of product development or startup CEOs. It is imperative for us all to learn how to innovate in our own work. The call is coming from the top now. I dare you to count how many times Obama says “Innovation” in this video of his speech.
Obama visits Orion Energy Systems in Manitowoc, Wisconsin just after his State of the Union Address to show people a company that is innovating and helping the US economy improve. Innovation and Education is at the center of the radar and it looks like he will continue to showcase organizations that are taking innovation seriously and having success doing it. Check out his first weekly address after the State of the Union Address to see how he still reiterates strongly the call for innovation.