The opinion I am about to provide is strictly based on anecdotal evidence and is a direct result of my personal observations at client sites, as the host of an innovation-related LinkedIn group, as a blog author and as an expert and keen observer in the innovation management field.

It is my personal opinion that the innovation wave has finally crested. 

What is my leading indicator for such a bold statement?  Well, I actually have a number of them:

• Former Six Sigma Practitioners are seeking out innovation training, innovation networking groups and other opportunities to "jump ship" away from cost-cutting efforts and toward growth and NPD initiatives
  
• The Big-5 Consulting Firms have formed (or are in the process of forming) Innovation Management Consulting Groups.  They are trying to learn everything they can...buying it when necessary, stealing it when they can, and otherwise throwing their weight around on what they see as the consulting opportunity du jour. 
  
• Companies, large and small, are beginning to understand the true advantage of innovation as a continuous discipline vs. innovation as a one-time project.  Otherwise, why would the Big-5 AND the little guys like Think For A Change, LLC. be falling all over ourselves to provide innovation management consultation services?
• My own business is picking up.  You know the awareness has reached a peak when organizations are calling and e-mailing me for:
• Personal creativity and innovation training for their employees
• Help setting up innovation management processes and business process strategies that will last longer than this current "wave"
• Obtaining an independent assessment on existing innovation maturity along with a detailed roadmap on how to increase that maturity level
• To move beyond "best practices" and start creating "next practices"

While I think we still have a long way to go on education, awareness and the need to ensure that organizations are receiving competent and expert opinions and advice, the wave is rolling...hop on!!!

Do you agree or disagree?  I'd love to hear your opinions!!!