Innovator: What It Is, Types, Key Skills, and How to Develop Them

In a world where change is the only constant, innovation is no longer an option—it is a necessity for survival and growth. We constantly hear about innovative companies, disruptive products, and optimized processes. But what lies behind all of this? The key figure is the innovator.

This article delves into what it means to be an innovator today. We’ll explore the definition of an innovator, demystify whether it’s an innate talent or a skill that can be developed, outline the essential characteristics and abilities that distinguish these individuals and organizations, and offer guidance on how you can become more innovative. Are you ready to unlock your potential?

What Is an Innovator?

An innovator (from the Latin innovātor) is, in essence, a person, team, or organization that introduces significant changes or improvements to existing elements, or creates entirely new ones. The Cambridge Dictionary defines an innovator as “someone who introduces changes and new ideas.”

However, the definition of an innovator goes beyond simple invention. It’s not just about having a brilliant idea, but about having the ability and determination to turn that idea into a tangible and valuable solution—be it a product, service, process, business model, or a new way of thinking that generates measurable and positive impact. A true innovator connects creativity with action and outcomes.

Key Points of the Definition:

• Introduces Novelty: Creates or modifies something to deliver value.
• Implements Ideas: Not just imagination—execution is key, bringing it to market or practice.
• Generates Value: Their actions lead to improvements, efficiencies, new solutions, or growth.
• Can Be Individual or Collective: Both individuals and organizations can be innovators.

Innovator vs. Inventor vs. Entrepreneur: Clarifying the Concepts

It’s common to confuse the terms innovator, inventor, and entrepreneur, though they represent different (often overlapping) roles in the ecosystem of progress:

• Inventor: Focuses primarily on creating something entirely new—an original idea or prototype that didn’t exist before. Driven by curiosity and solving a technical or conceptual problem.
  Example: Thomas Edison with the incandescent lightbulb (although he was also a great innovator and entrepreneur by building the electrical system).
• Innovator: Takes an invention (their own or someone else’s) or an existing idea and improves, adapts, or applies it in a novel way to create value or solve a problem more effectively. Focuses on practical application and diffusion of novelty. Noailles-Siméon (2013) notes that the innovator is often preceded by the inventor, who has many ideas but may not know how to organize them for public adoption.
  Example: Apple didn’t invent the MP3 player, but radically innovated with the iPod and iTunes ecosystem.
• Entrepreneur: Identifies a business opportunity and organizes the necessary resources (often including innovations or inventions) to create a company or project aimed at generating economic or social value.
  Example: Anyone founding a startup based on a new technology or business model.

While one person can be all three, understanding the distinction between inventor and innovator, and innovator versus entrepreneur, is crucial. Innovation is the bridge between pure ideas and real impact in the market or society.

It’s also important to highlight that an innovator engages with various stakeholders in their environment. On this point, Koottatep et al. (2021) emphasize that the most important aspects of managing innovation for development (social innovation) include building relationships with multiple actors.

Are Innovators Born or Made?

One of the most frequent questions is: Are people born innovators? Or can anyone become one? The answer, backed by research and experts, is encouraging: while some innate traits (like curiosity) may make the path easier, the ability to innovate is fundamentally a set of skills, mindsets, and processes that can be learned, developed, and cultivated.

Nobody is born knowing how to apply design thinking or manage uncertainty. These are competencies that innovators develop through deliberate practice, exposure to new knowledge, experimentation, and above all, adopting a growth mindset.

So the answer is clear: You can become more innovative! It requires commitment, effort, and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone, but it’s an entirely achievable path—for both individuals and organizations.

Key Characteristics of an Innovative Person

Beyond technical skills, an innovator’s profile often includes certain personality traits that act as catalysts. The results of the study by Fronzetti et al. (2023) suggest that the characteristics of innovators are not only evident when they are actively seeking innovative solutions, but also in their spontaneous and informal social interactions, revealed through specific networking language and behavior.

Identifying the characteristics of an innovator is the first step toward cultivating them, and these traits can also serve as tools for managers to identify potential innovators:

• Insatiable Curiosity: A constant desire to learn, explore, and ask “Why?” and “What if…?” They are not satisfied with the status quo.
• Critical and Analytical Thinking: The ability to break down complex problems, assess information objectively, and connect seemingly unrelated ideas.
• Resilience and Tolerance for Failure: They understand that innovation involves experimentation and that mistakes are learning opportunities—not dead ends. They bounce back quickly after setbacks.
• Future Vision: The ability to anticipate trends, identify emerging opportunities, and envision a desirable future state.
• Open and Collaborative Mindset: Willingness to listen to and value diverse perspectives, actively seeking collaboration to enrich their ideas.
• Action-Oriented (Proactivity): They don’t wait for things to happen; they take initiative to test ideas and bring them to life. They prefer to “ask for forgiveness rather than permission.”
• Adaptability and Flexibility: Able to adjust their plans and approaches in response to new data or changing circumstances. They navigate uncertainty well.
• Empathy: The ability to deeply understand the needs, desires, and pain points of users or customers, enabling the design of truly relevant solutions.

Types of Innovators

Now that we have an idea of what innovation means and the profile of an innovator, let’s explore the different types of innovators.

Based on their research, Dyer et al. (2019) describe four types of innovative individuals:

i) startup entrepreneurs,
ii) corporate entrepreneurs,
iii) product innovators, and
iv) process innovators.

Technological Innovator

In recent years, technology has advanced rapidly, making innovation a key factor for the success of any company. Today, being a technological innovator is essential to stand out in an increasingly competitive market.

But what is a technological innovator? It is a person or company that constantly seeks new ways to improve products or services through the use of technology. In other words, a technological innovator stays at the forefront of the latest trends and technologies, using that knowledge to create unique and effective solutions that make a difference.

The business world has recognized the importance of technological innovation, which is why more and more companies are investing in research and development (R&D) to create new products and services that meet consumer needs. Companies that don’t invest in R&D risk falling behind and losing their market position.

So how does one become a technological innovator? First, it’s essential to stay up to date with the latest trends and technologies. This means investing time and resources in research and learning, attending conferences and specialized events, and staying connected with other professionals and experts in the field.

A technological innovator must also be creative and curious, capable of thinking outside the box and finding innovative solutions to problems. It’s important to have an open mind and be willing to experiment with new technologies and approaches, even if that means taking risks and facing failure.

Core Skills of an Innovator

Although innovative thinking may be innate for some, it can also be developed and strengthened through practice (Dyer et al., 2019). So, what skills should an innovative person possess?

Based on studies by Dyer et al. (2019) and Fronzetti et al. (2023), we can outline an innovator’s profile:

Associating
The ability to successfully connect seemingly unrelated questions, problems, or ideas from different fields is essential to innovation.

Questioning
Most innovative entrepreneurs can recall the specific questions they were asking when inspiration for a new venture struck.
Effective questioning often involves: Why?, Why not?, and What if?

Observing
Discovery-driven executives generate uncommon business ideas by examining common phenomena, especially customer behavior.
Innovators carefully, intentionally, and consistently observe small behavioral details of customers, suppliers, and competitors to gain insights into new ways of doing things.

Thematic Orientation
Fronzetti et al. (2023) found that innovators’ communication tends to be oriented toward innovation and the market. They use words related to business performance, innovation, and marketing, and express concern for company growth and new business opportunities.

Experimenting
Like scientists, innovators actively test new ideas by building prototypes and launching pilot programs.
The world is the innovator’s laboratory. As an innovator, you must be capable of designing and running experiments.

Networking
Investing time and energy in finding and testing ideas through a network of diverse people gives innovators radically different perspectives. They actively seek out people with different ideas and viewpoints to expand their own knowledge domains.

Forsman and Temel (2016) recommend that innovation-promoting policies should encourage networking (collaborative) activities, not just for exploration but also for the exploitation of innovation.

Characteristics of Innovators

In a Forbes article, and based on her global research, Bagley (2014) describes ten traits that distinguish great innovators:

1. Doing things differently or doing things that have never been done before.
2. Being authentic leaders committed to building dynamic, productive, values-based organizations.
3. Understanding that innovation never happens in a vacuum.
4. Embracing diversity and recognizing the need for multiple perspectives to tackle complex economic, technological, and other challenges.
5. Rejecting high-control, low-trust leadership by leading from the center of their organizations.
6. Avoiding shortcuts and being willing to pursue more complex solutions, even if it means taking on greater risks.
7. Recognizing that innovation is not a one-time thing, and that both startups and established companies must continuously push beyond their past efforts.
8. Not being afraid to break with norms or go beyond conventional wisdom that confines thinking to the “box.”
9. Understanding that focusing too heavily on traditional business metrics can prevent breakthrough progress.
10. Contributing original, unconventional ideas.

Main Traits of an Innovative Person

Accepts Failure and Learns from Mistakes
One of the most important traits of an innovative person is the ability to embrace failure and learn from mistakes.
Innovative individuals see failure not as a setback but as an opportunity to grow. They know it’s a natural part of the creative process and helps them get closer to success.

Thinks Outside the Box and Challenges the Status Quo
Innovative individuals constantly seek better ways to do things and aren’t afraid to challenge how things have always been done.
They take risks and try new approaches, even if that means defying conventional wisdom.

Has a Curious and Open Mind
They ask questions, explore different viewpoints, and constantly seek knowledge.
Their curiosity allows them to view problems from different angles and develop creative solutions.

Takes Risks and Embraces Change
Innovators step outside their comfort zones, try new things, and take calculated risks.
They see change not as a threat, but as an opportunity for progress.

Collaborates and Seeks Feedback
Innovators understand the power of collaboration. They value feedback and diverse perspectives as tools to refine their ideas and improve outcomes.

How Can I Become More Innovative?

Developing innovative skills is a continuous journey. Here are some practical strategies to get started:

• Cultivate Curiosity: Read widely, ask lots of questions, and explore topics outside your comfort zone.
• Seek Diverse Perspectives: Talk to people from different fields, cultures, and backgrounds.
• Practice Active Observation: Pay attention to everyday problems, inefficiencies, and unmet needs.
• Experiment Fearlessly (on a Small Scale): Start small—prototype, test, and iterate.
• Embrace Failure as Learning: Reflect on mistakes, extract lessons, and improve.
• Grow Your Network: Connect with other innovators, mentors, and collaborators.
• Continue Learning: Take courses, attend workshops, and read about innovation methods (Design Thinking, Lean Startup, Agile).
• Make Time for Reflection: Set aside quiet moments for thinking and connecting ideas.

The Role of Innovators in Business and Society

Innovators play a more crucial role than ever before. In business, innovative companies lead markets, attract top talent, and show greater resilience in times of crisis.
They need innovative leaders who not only have vision but who also build cultures where creativity and experimentation thrive (Bagley, 2014).

However, established companies often face the Innovator’s Dilemma (coined by Clayton Christensen), where past success and efficient processes prevent them from adopting disruptive innovations. Agile innovators with external vision can make the difference.

At the societal level, innovators drive advancements that improve quality of life, solve global challenges (like climate change or public health), and open up new paths for human progress.

How Do Companies Stay Innovative?

Having innovators on staff is not enough—without a culture of innovation, companies may stifle new ideas.
So how can companies stay innovative?

A major incentive is economic return. Stoffman et al. (2022) report that small innovative firms with patents earn higher future returns than non-innovative ones. Rosário et al. (2024) highlight that the key drivers behind serial innovation are intensive collaboration, public support, and an educated workforce.

Tuzovic et al. (2018) found that long-term industry leaders share three key innovation characteristics:

1. Innovation Climate: Includes leadership and service culture.
2. Human Capital: Hiring, training, and incentives.
3. Resource Configuration: Systems, structure, and processes.

Finally, Lien and Timmermans (2023) concluded that while crises push more companies to innovate, prior innovation experience and organizational agility remain key factors in how much crisis-driven innovation is realized, as well as its long-term value and investment plans.

Conclusion

Being an innovator isn’t a title reserved for a few geniuses. It’s a combination of mindset, trainable traits, and learnable skills. From understanding what an innovator is and how they differ from inventors and entrepreneurs, to recognizing key skills and types of innovators, we’ve seen that the ability to introduce valuable novelties is within reach.

The real question isn’t whether you’re born an innovator—but whether you’re willing to walk the path to become one. By cultivating curiosity, resilience, collaboration, and action, both individuals and organizations can become forces of transformation. In a world that demands constant adaptation, innovation is the key not just to survival, but to thriving.

As Dyer et al. (2019) put it: “Innovative entrepreneurship is not a genetic predisposition—it’s an active endeavor.” And as Dumbuya (2025) concludes, empowering tomorrow’s innovators requires a multidimensional approach that integrates skill-building, vocational competence, and entrepreneurial training.

Reference

Bagley R. 2014. The 10 Traits Of Great Innovators. Forbes.

Dumbuya, E. (2025). Empowering Tomorrow’s Innovators: Skills, Trade, and Entrepreneurship for a Sustainable Future. Online Submission.

Dyer J., H. Hal Gregersen, and Clayton M. Christensen. 2019. The Innovator’s DNA: Mastering the five skills of disruptive innovators. Harvard Business Review Press.

Forsman Helena & Serdal Temel (2016) From a Non-Innovator to a High-Innovation Performer: Networking as a Driver, Regional Studies, 50:7, 1140-1153, DOI: 10.1080/00343404.2014.968120

Fronzetti Colladon, A., Toschi, L., Ughetto, E., & Greco, F. (2023). The language and social behavior of innovators. Journal of Business Research, 154, 113317. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2022.113317

Koottatep, Thammarat, Krisakorn Sukavejworakit, and Thanaphol Virasa. 2021. “Roadmap for Innovators in the Process of Innovation for Development” Sustainability 13, no. 1: 84. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13010084

Lien, L., & Timmermans, B. (2023). Crisis-induced innovation and crisis-induced innovators. Industry and Innovation, 31(2), 183–217. https://doi.org/10.1080/13662716.2023.2228739

Nielsen, Christian. 2020. The Net Innovator Score. Working Paper, Aalborg University Business School, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3719711

Noailles-Siméon, Patrice. (2013). Innovator. In: E. Carayannis (ed). Encyclopedia of Creativity, Invention, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship. Springer.

Rosário, C., Varum, C., & Botelho, A. (2024). Unlocking the Code to Continuous Innovation: A Study of Key Determinants for Serial Innovators. Administrative Sciences, 14(3), 45. https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci14030045

Stoffman, Noah and Woeppel, Michael and Yavuz, M. Deniz, Small Innovators: No Risk, No Return (March 7, 2022). Journal of Accounting & Economics (JAE), Forthcoming, Kelley School of Business Research Paper No. 19-5, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3291471

Tuzovic S., J. Wirtz, L. Heracleous. 2018. How do innovators stay innovative? A longitudinal case analysis. Journal of Services Marketing, Vol. 32 No. 1, pp. 34-45. https://doi.org/10.1108/JSM-02-2017-0052

Milthon Lujan Monja

Editor and founder of “Innovar o Morir” (‘Innovate or Die’). Milthon holds a Master’s degree in Science and Innovation Management from the Polytechnic University of Valencia, with postgraduate diplomas in Business Innovation (UPV) and Market-Oriented Innovation Management (UPCH-Universitat Leipzig). He has practical experience in innovation management, having led the Fisheries Innovation Unit of the National Program for Innovation in Fisheries and Aquaculture (PNIPA) and worked as a consultant on open innovation diagnostics and technology watch. He firmly believes in the power of innovation and creativity as drivers of change and development.