Innovation Formalization

by Simon Karanja

We have talked about exploration and exteriorization in the last two articles. We do this to create a connection between these stages of innovations meticulously. It is very crucial to read and connect, and I urge our readers to read these articles in their order. Today, I am thrilled to discuss formalization as the third stage of innovation. Formalizing is giving something a fixed structure or form by introducing rules/standards. What are these rules/standards? Why are they necessary? And who makes these rules/standards? These rules/standards include the acceptability of features or ingredients that make an innovation, a project, or a product usable and harm-free by all the stakeholders impacted. They are necessary for they protect the interests of human and non-human stakeholders. Human stakeholders include Academia, Businesses, the community, and the state. The major non-human stakeholder is the environment, which is comprised of water, land, and air. Therefore, it is easier to deduce that all those affected stakeholders agree upon these rules.

In the realm of innovation, formalization means the act of systematizing an idea, an innovation, a project, or a particular product. After knowledge has been exteriorized and graded, it has to be systematized to give it specific purpose, description, category, quality, and consumption prospects. The goal is to create a process of communicating with users or impacted stakeholders. Remember, identifying stakeholders who could be direct consumers, product dealers, government, or even the environment would make it easier for a project, an innovation, or a product of any sort to pass past this crucial stage of innovation. Before we even write another paragraph, let's quench the urge to know these stakeholders more. It is crucial to identify and discuss them, for they are either the inhibitors or stimulants of innovations.

Human Stakeholders in Innovation Formalization

Of course, when coming up with an innovation, a project, or a particular product, the goal is to provide a solution to a particular problem in society. Although the money factor is inherent when innovating, we know that there must first be an existing problem that requires a solution. Human beings are the immediate beneficiaries or victims of success or any harm that a product, innovation, or project might cause. You can now imagine the power they have when it comes to formalizing innovations. Every standard, feature, or quality of any innovation should meet the expectations. If not, it should satisfy or meet the approval, appraisal, and acceptability of the community.

Innovations should undergo thorough formalization to ensure that people in a community are aware of what they are, what they seek to achieve, what it means to their social, economic, and political welfare, and their impacts, both negative and positive, following consumption/usage and exposure to the environment. Of course, you have had consumers sue companies or traders for selling to them products that were counterfeit, harmful, or socially not abiding by their beliefs. Suppose that has yet to happen to you. In that case, you have heard about companies that were unable to advertise their products well and ended up being fined heavily for false information or ingredients.

When an innovation needs to properly undergo thorough systematization to enhance proper communication with the stakeholders, it might harm both the innovator and the consumers in the process. Do you remember the Red Bull saga with Benjamin? The case of Benjamin Careathers suing Red Bull for false advertising underscores the critical importance of transparent and responsible advertising (communication) practices by companies and brands. Advertising serves as a potent tool for attracting consumers, but it must be accurate, transparent, and avoid misleading claims. Red Bull's slogan, "Red Bull gives you wings," was interpreted literally by some consumers, leading to unrealistic expectations and, in Careathers' case, potentially dangerous behavior.

?To prevent such incidents, companies should ensure that their advertising claims are substantiated, provide clear disclaimers when using figurative language, and prioritize consumer safety in product promotion. Transparent and responsible advertising not only fosters trust with consumers but also helps to maintain a positive brand reputation. It is crucial when systematizing or formalizing an innovation that it communicates honestly and thoroughly to the impacted stakeholders and its features as a product. Why some people fail to understand or instead get themselves unrealistic expectations because companies or innovators need to deskill the product for the consumers to understand and consume harmlessly. I am going to talk more about deskilling later.

The state and academia come in by providing regulatory measures, standards, rules, or laws pertaining to innovations and consumer protection. That is why products (goods and services) have to undergo licensing to ensure that they adhere to the set standards and compliance. A country or a state that fails the importance of doing so puts the lives of citizens at risk and jeopardizes political and economic stability. You will also find bodies or institutions inside learning institutions that are established to achieve the same. While I was schooling at Kenyatta University, I had a project under development among many other students who had passed the ideation stage. The institution had a center called Chandaria Innovation Center that ensured that the prototypes for various innovations by students met the required regulatory standards and communicated the impacts to human and non-human stakeholders openly. That is a crucial process when formalizing or systematizing an innovation.

Non-Human Stakeholders

We have a straightforward relationship with our environment. Think about it: everything we do in one way or another has an impact on our environment. The environment is such a reciprocal of our actions; it is always kind to us if we are kind to it. Innovations that promote environmental sustainability practices improve our experience with our environment and vice versa. An innovation will definitely bear a profound effect on land, air, or water directly or indirectly. These impacts have to be looked into when coming up with an innovation. The goal is to have innovations whose impacts have more benefits than the potential harm anticipated or caused. In business, it is the concept of cost-benefit analysis. The same case applies here. If an innovation has to come with some hazards, then there should be a way of harnessing that potential harm.

We now live in a world where environmental sustainability has become such a must-consider strategy for businesses and innovators (who are future business owners). You don't have to struggle thinking about these examples. Accenture has reduced each employee's carbon emissions by 52%; Apple uses Aluminum instead of other materials because it produces lower emissions. Since 1985, Patagonia has been giving 1% of its earnings to environmental organizations. Those are a few examples of how businesses are critical to environmental sustainability. That is why future innovators need to be educated about such matters so they can strive in the competitive business environment that continues to advocate for environmental sustainability. Now, how do students/innovators communicate or formalize their innovations to better communicate them to all the discussed stakeholders?

Deskilling to Communicate in Innovation Formalization

Formalization, as a crucial stage of innovation, plays a pivotal role in translating complex products or concepts into accessible and understandable forms for stakeholders and users. In the innovation journey, particularly in the development of sophisticated technologies or intricate solutions, formalization serves as the bridge between technical intricacies and user comprehension. By systematizing the product under innovation, formalization ensures that the essence and functionality of the innovation are distilled into straightforward and digestible formats. This process involves breaking down intricate components, streamlining processes, and removing unnecessary complexities to create a coherent and understandable narrative that resonates with stakeholders.

Furthermore, formalization also serves to deskill the product, making it accessible to a broader audience beyond experts or technical specialists. By simplifying the language, design, and user interface, formalization enables individuals with varying levels of expertise to engage with the innovation effectively. This democratization of access fosters inclusivity and empowers users to understand, utilize, and provide valuable feedback on the innovation. Before it is formally an idea that can be incubated, an innovator has to know what will work and what won't work for the targeted users. Ultimately, formalization acts as a critical enabler of adoption and diffusion, as it ensures that the benefits and value proposition of the innovation are communicated clearly and effectively to stakeholders, paving the way for widespread acceptance and utilization.

Imagine a team of engineers developing a new software application for financial management. During the early stages of development, the software may be highly technical, with intricate algorithms and complex user interfaces tailored to the expertise of software developers. However, as the project progresses, formalization becomes essential to translate this technical complexity into a user-friendly platform that can be easily understood and utilized by financial managers, business owners, and individuals with varying levels of technological proficiency. Through formalization, the software is deskilled by simplifying terminology, streamlining features, and providing intuitive user interfaces. This transformation enables users to effectively manage their finances, analyze data, and make informed decisions without requiring advanced technical knowledge.

Similarly, consider the process of formalization in the development of a new medical device, such as a portable diagnostic tool for remote healthcare settings. Initially, the device may be designed with sophisticated sensors, intricate circuitry, and complex data analysis algorithms to detect and diagnose medical conditions accurately. However, to ensure widespread adoption and usability in diverse healthcare settings, formalization is crucial. The device must be deskilled to simplify its operation, provide clear instructions for use, and communicate results in a straightforward manner that healthcare professionals and patients alike can understand. Through formalization, the medical device becomes accessible to healthcare providers in remote areas, empowering them to deliver quality care and improve health outcomes within their communities.

In both examples, formalization plays a vital role in transforming complex innovations into user-friendly solutions that can be readily adopted and utilized by stakeholders. By systematizing and deskilling the products under innovation, formalization ensures that the benefits and functionalities of the innovations are effectively communicated and understood, paving the way for widespread acceptance, adoption, and impact.

Every aspect above demonstrates that it is crucial to understand stakeholder, know their level of knowledge, collect their feedback, and communicate effectively to enhance understanding, acceptance, and usability of the potential innovation under development.

Actuate Biomedicine in Catalyzing Formalization

Actuate Biomedicine plays a pivotal role in formalization as a stage in innovation, mainly through its 8-week Learn to Earn program offered by Actuate Students in Science and Technology. Through this program, Actuate Biomedicine fosters inclusivity and empowers a diverse range of individuals to engage with innovation, ultimately driving widespread acceptance, adoption, and impact. The program will be taught by innovation experts on how to systematize and streamline innovative ideas, projects, and products, ensuring they are effectively communicated to stakeholders. By providing a structured learning environment and equipping participants with essential skills and knowledge, such as understanding stakeholder needs, collecting feedback, and effective communication strategies, the Learn to Earn program empowers aspiring innovators to navigate the complexities of formalization with confidence and purpose.

To Learn More:

v? Join the Actuate Students in Science and Technology LinkedIn Group: https://www.dhirubhai.net/groups/14384488/. This hub connects aspiring scientists, technology enthusiasts, and forward-thinkers from institutions across Africa and beyond, collaborating to explore cutting-edge research, entrepreneurial ventures, and transformative projects. Through translating knowledge into actionable solutions, the program aims to drive positive change and empower individuals to make lasting impacts in science and technology. Together, we cultivate a culture of innovation and growth.

v? Mark your calendar for the Pre- Boston Actuate Premiere Summit, happening in Nairobi, Kenya, on 6th December, 2024. This event will bring together a diverse audience, including the DeFi community, decentralized exchanges, organizations involved in human development initiatives like the Equity Bank of Kenya, human development specialists, peer-to-peer companies, wallet companies, university students in science & technology, and medical research groups.

v? Secure your spot for the Boston Actuate Premiere Summit. It is set to take place in Boston, Massachusetts, USA in July 2025. Check it out here on the Actuate Biomedicine Website: https://www.actuate.bio/premier-summit. This five-day event will focus on the convergence of Blockchain, DeFi, Global Health, and Human Development. Attendees can expect immersive sessions exploring the potential of blockchain and DeFi in addressing critical challenges in global health and human development, alongside thought-provoking discussions, insightful presentations, exhibitions, and networking opportunities aimed at fostering new partnerships and collaborations.

v? Visit Pancake Swap Decentralized Exchange and acquire the Actuate Token (ACT): https://pancakeswap.finance/swap. Also, create a liquidity pool using Actuate (ACT) and any other compatible pair of tokens including BNB. Refer to the key takeaways from the article and be informed when investing in crypto markets.

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