What triggers the step change in innovation process in companies
To understand the difference between 'incrementalism' in terms of ongoing six sigma or process improvement programs, and innovation step change in a company, it is important to clarify what causes an innovation transformation. Business week contend that "while process excellence demands precision, consistency, and repetition, innovation calls for variation, failure, and serendipity". This suggests that failure is likely one big cause for innovation. Apart from the obvious unfavorable failure situation, the statement also brings to light that companies need to be acceptive of change, and be receptive to serendipitous experiences. As JSB put it, You can't control serendipity but you can shape it - and so company culture is a big player in enabling a step change in innovation within companies.
References:
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/07_24/b4038406.htm
http://www.business-strategy-innovation.com/wordpress/2010/04/setting-big-things-in-motion/