Innovation X: Why a Company's Toughest Problems Are Its Greatest Advantage

Innovation is one of today's hottest business topics, with Fortune 500 companies ramping up innovation efforts after years of focusing on bottom line efficiencies. With so many companies focusing more intensely than ever on innovation, why are so few seeing results?

Adam Richardson, creative director at the award-winning global innovation firm frog design, gets to the bottom of this dilemma in his new book, Innovation X: Why a Company’s Toughest Problems Are Its Greatest Advantage (Jossey-Bass; February 2010; 978-0470-48219-3; $27.95). Richardson argues that companies’ efforts to innovate are being thwarted by “X-Problems,” a new class of 21st century challenges that defy conventional planning. However, he believes that if used in the right way, these problems can present massive innovation opportunities.

Grounded in insights about how customers, competitors, and technologies change quickly and often, Innovation X is the manual for leaders looking for clarity about the emerging challenges facing their businesses. The book provides practical innovation strategies that will work in dynamic markets, and offers tactical methods that can be put to use immediately.

“Innovation X is a brilliant design and business book. Because he is a tactical practitioner as well as a strategic thinker, Richardson gives the reader graspable tools for transforming innovation cultures and processes,” said Michael Schrage, Research Fellow, MIT Sloane School Center for Digital Business, and author of Getting Beyond Ideas.

Combining frog design's approach with insightful analysis of companies such as Apple, BMW, Clif Bar, Google, Hewlett-Packard, Salesforce.com, and Zipcar, Richardson illustrates how to envision and realize successful new business ventures, products, and services. Innovation X is an essential guide for companies looking to get the jump on their competition in today’s disruptive environment.

For more information, please visit www.innovationxbook.com.