The journey from an idea to a successful innovation is rarely straightforward. It is a path that demands creativity, critical thinking, structured processes, and the courage to take calculated risks. This book, Ideas to Innovation: Creativity, Design Thinking, IPR & the Innovation Ecosystem, is written with the belief that anyone-whether a student, researcher, or aspiring innovator-can transform ideas into impactful outcomes when guided by the right mindset, tools, and strategies.
The chapters in this volume are organised to take the reader step by step through the foundations of innovation. We begin with creativity, creative thinking, and critical thinking, then move into problem-solving and ideation, and finally explore design thinking as a structured approach to innovation. The book further examines intellectual property rights (IPR) and patents, introduces the concept of technology readiness levels (TRL), and discusses how global and Indian innovation
ecosystems support innovators in moving ideas closer to real-world application. Ultimately, it highlights the importance of responsible innovation and effective measurement in ensuring that creativity not only benefits individual success but also contributes to the overall well-being of society. This book is not intended to be just a theoretical text but a practical guide-one that equips readers with frameworks they can immediately apply in classrooms, research labs, and early-stage projects. Whether you are a student exploring your first idea, a researcher seeking to protect your intellectual property, or an innovator aiming to position your work within the global ecosystem, this book will serve as a foundation for navigating the challenges and opportunities of the innovation journey.