Dr. Ray

Business 102

Invention versus Innovation
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Inventions vs. Innovations

Inventions are brand new things that have never existed before. They are completely original creations.

Innovations are improvements or new ways of using things that already exist.

Examples:

Inventions:

  • The first telephone
  • The first computer
  • The first lightbulb

Innovations:

  • Smartphones (improved telephones)
  • Laptops (improved computers)
  • LED lights (improved lightbulbs)

Practice:

Is it an invention or innovation?

  1. The first car
  2. Electric cars
  3. The first television
  4. Flat-screen TVs

Remember: If it's completely new = invention If it improves something existing = innovation