Continue Innovating During An Economic Downturn?

The current economic downturn may have you feeling like you need to hunker down and wait it out. Especially in innovating during an economic downturn. This is understandable—no one wants to risk their hard-earned money in uncertain times.

But this is actually the optimal time to take innovation leadership by continuing to invest in ideas that will lead to the innovations the market will need when the economy recovers.

Here are three reasons you should continue to innovate during an economic downturn:

1. The market will recover.

Do not panic. Panic leads to hasty decisions and a lack of strategic thinking. This is the time to be calm and think long-term.

2. Watch your competitors.

Many companies will cut back on innovation during an economic downturn. This leaves them vulnerable to attacks from their more innovative competitors. By continuing to innovate, you can take market share from these companies.

3. Be optimistic.

Do not let the current economic downturn dissuade you from continuing to innovate for a future beyond the economic conditions. This is the time to think long-term and be optimistic about the future.

Examples of Recession and Depression Innovations

During the Great Depression, American inventor Thomas Edison continued to invent new things, including the electric light bulb. He knew that the market would need new inventions when the economy recovered, and he was right.

Other examples of recession and depression innovations include:

• The automobile (created during the Great Depression)
• Television (created during the Great Depression)
• Computers (created during the 1970s recession)
• The internet (created during the early 1990s recession)

In more recent times, Apple has been a company known for innovating during times of recession. They released their iPod in 2001, during the dot-com bust, and they released their iPhone in 2007, during the global financial crisis. Both products were huge successes and helped Apple become the trillion-dollar company it is today.

So, if you're feeling worried about the current economic conditions, don't be. This is the perfect time to continue innovating and developing new ideas. The market will recover, and when it does, the companies who have continued to innovate will be the ones who succeed.

Examples Of Companies Who Failed To Innovate

It's no secret that companies that don't innovate during challenging economic conditions tend to fail. This has been true throughout history, and it is especially true during times of economic recession and depression.

Some examples of companies who failed when they failed to innovate during an economic downturn include:

Circuit City

Circuit City was once the largest consumer electronics retailer in the United States. However, the company failed to keep up with the times and was forced into bankruptcy in 2008.

What went wrong?

Circuit City made the mistake of thinking that its business model didn't need to change. They continued to focus on selling electronics, even as consumers started buying more and more of their electronics online.

They also failed to keep up with the changing needs of their customers. For example, they didn't begin selling digital downloads of music and movies until it was too late.

As a result of their failure to innovate, Circuit City went from being a market leader to being out of business within just a few years.

Kodak

Kodak was once the largest film manufacturer in the world. However, the company failed to adapt to the digital age and declared bankruptcy in 2012.

What went wrong?

Like Circuit City, Kodak made the mistake of thinking that its business model didn't need to change. They continued to focus on selling film, even as digital cameras became more and more popular.

As a result of their failure to innovate, Kodak went out of business within just a few years.

Borders

Borders were once the second largest bookstore chain in the United States. However, the company failed to adapt to the digital age and filed for bankruptcy in 2011.

What went wrong?

Borders continued to focus on selling physical books, even as the trends shifted and more and more people started buying e-books. They didn't begin selling e-books until it was too late.

As a result of their failure to innovate, Borders went from being a market leader to being out of business in just a few years.

Reasons To Innovate During Uncertain Economic Times

Here are a few reasons now is the time to double down on your innovation efforts:

1. Opportunity.

When times are tough, companies who maintain their innovation leadership position often come out ahead when the market bounces back. This is your chance to take market share from your competitors.

2. Need.

In a downturn, people still need products and services that make their lives better. They may look for ways to save money but still want quality and value. Your job is to provide what they need at a price they can afford.

3. Talent.

In a down market, top talent may be looking for new opportunities. This is your chance to attract the best and the brightest to your team.

So don’t wait for the economy to turn around before you start innovating. Now is the time to take your business to the next level.

So What Can You Do?

So what can you do to make sure your company doesn't become another victim of the economic downturn?

Here are a few tips:

1. Keep your eye on the future.

It's important to always be looking ahead and anticipate the needs of your customers. Look at the needs beyond just the immediate future, but also think about long-term needs, after the economy recovers, as well.

2. Be willing to change.

Don't be afraid to change your business model if it means staying ahead of the competition. Be agile and adapt to the market as it changes.

3. Invest in innovation.

Make sure you are investing in research and development so you can continue to bring new products and services to the market. This is the time to take innovation leadership by continuing to invest in ideas that will lead to the innovations the market will need when the economy recovers.

4. Encourage creativity.

Encourage creativity and out-of-the-box thinking within your organization. This is the time to try new things by taking risks.

5. Stay flexible.

Be flexible and adaptable so you can quickly change course if necessary. And during uncertain economic times, things can change quickly.

6. Stay positive.

It's important to maintain a positive attitude during tough times. Remember that the market will recover and don't panic.

Now Is A Time Of Innovation Opportunity

The market may be down, but that doesn't mean you should stop, slow down or pull back from investing in innovation.

The examples of Circuit City, Kodak, and Borders show that companies who choose not to innovate during economic downturns are at genuine risk of total and complete failure.

This is the perfect time to double down on your innovation efforts. There are many reasons to continue innovating during uncertain times, including the opportunity to take market share from your competitors, the need to provide quality products and services at a price people can afford, and the chance to attract top talent to your team.

Remember that innovation is the key to success during uncertain times. Don't panic, instead, stay focused and be optimistic about the future. Economic uncertainty creates opportunities for companies that are willing to innovate and lead the way.