Difference Between Invention and Innovation with Examples

You must have heard people generally always talk about inventions and innovations like they are the same thing like hey! He invented the new app! Or that’s a really innovative idea, right? But they’re actually different, and it’s kind of important to get that straight. Let’s just think of it as having a cool idea versus actually making that same idea or any other idea useful to the people. In this blog, we are going to break down the real difference between invention and innovation. Having this understanding can really help you see how things actually get made and how they actually change the world around us.

What is the Difference Between Invention and Innovation? 

First and foremost, let us quickly go through the key differences between invention and innovation based on their definition, examples, and relationship before discussing them in detail:

Feature	Invention	Innovation
Definition	Creating something new	Implementing new ideas to create value
Focus	The “what” (new product/process)	The “how” (application and value creation)
Outcome	A new creation	A value product, service, or process
Key Aspect	Novelty	Implementation and value
Example	The light bulb	Electric lighting systems in homes and cities
Relationship	May exist without innovation	Require an invention or existing product

What is Invention? 

Invention is something that is about creating something that has never existed before. Like the birth of a brand new idea, tool, or way of doing things. The Printing Press and the light bulb invented by Thomas Edison are examples of inventions that changed the world. The steam engine and the computer were inventions that have changed the whole perspective of human life and opened up whole new possibilities because they were completely new.

What is Innovation? 

Innovation is something that takes an invention to the next level. Innovation is not just creating something new but also effectively implementing it to generate value. So, innovation is about taking an idea, whether it’s brand new or already out there, and making it work in the real world so it can help people or businesses in any way.

Invention vs Innovation – Defining the Line 

Basically, invention is the ‘aha!’ moment, the new idea. Innovation is taking that idea and making it happen in the real world. An invention can just be a thought, but innovation needs to be used to make a difference. For instance, the invention of the laser,  and on the other hand, innovation is the application of laser in various fields like medical surgery, barcode scanning, and telecommunications.

Also Read: 

Difference Between Invention and Discovery with Example

The Coolest Inventions You’ve Seen Speech For School Students 

5 Common Examples of Invention and Innovation

Here are 5 common examples of invention and innovation. These examples highlight the difference between creating something new (invention) and improving or transforming something existing (innovation):

Example of Invention	Example of Innovation	Description
Telephone	Smartphone	Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone in 1876. Smartphones transformed this idea by adding cameras, internet access, apps, and touchscreens
Light Bulb	LED Lighting	Thomas Edison and others developed the electric light bulb in the late 1800s. LED lights use less power, last longer, and are more eco-friendly, an evolved version of the traditional bulb.
Printing Press	Digital Publishing	Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press in the 15th century. E-books, online articles, and PDFs have taken publishing digital
Automobile	Electric Cars	The first gasoline-powered cars emerged in the late 19th century. Companies like Tesla innovated with electric vehicles that are cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable.
Radio	Podcasts and Streaming	The radio was invented for wireless communication and broadcasting. Podcasts and streaming services like Spotify reimagined radio, offering on-demand, personalised audio content.

Invention and innovation are like two sides of the same coin. You need invention to create something new and innovation to make that new thing matter. They’re both essential for progress. By understanding their differences, we can better appreciate the whole process of turning an idea into something that lasts.

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