It’s about solving real world problems. It’s about inventing, reinventing and trying new things. Having a solid business plan is one thing, but you won’t necessarily know what people want until you start getting out there and testing the market.

To me, innovation is really about coming up with a new or a better way to problem-solve. A better and more efficient way of doing things that enhances value and drives growth. As Albert Einstein once said, “You can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.” It’s the relentless pursuit of continuous improvement and diversity of thought that drives true innovation.

Without doubt, innovation starts with a brilliant idea. And generally it’s the most simplistic of ideas that tend to be brilliant by the way. I come across many of them on a daily basis. But the knack is to not get distracted by the notion of unearthing brilliant ideas, but rather determine whether or not the brilliant idea will work from a business stand-point. Then if it does make commercial sense, that is when the hard work really comes into it. The immense effort needed to turn that “brilliant idea” into a reality.

Being innovative means that you have to be willing to get comfortable with the uncomfortable. To be curious… really curious! Relentless in fact with your curiosity. You need to be willing to ask the hard questions and to be willing to wrestle with the difficult scenarios. Be assertive and never take no for an answer. Instead of asking “Why?” I prefer to ask “Why not!?”

Adelaide, in my opinion, is one of the best places for innovative entrepreneurs to start their business ventures. The market size is perfect for testing new ideas and business models, the housing and office space is affordable, and the support from government, industry bodies and business leaders is strong.