In entrepreneurship or a new (startup) business idea, the first question is usually about what problem it solves. Theoretically, there are many valid reasons for this question. In practice, these elements are also very supportive for the commercial success of the venture. Up to this point, everything seems normal. However, should a new venture only be about solving an existing problem? How, then, can the excitement of innovation be sustained...?
It would be more appropriate to approach the topic with a rational perspective. Asking an entrepreneur’s idea questions like "How many people need it?" or "Why should they use it?" may seem right, but these preconceptions suppress the spirit of innovation/invention, in my opinion.
For example, wasn’t the invention of the mobile phone an illusion that it was made not to solve a problem that didn’t exist before but just for innovation’s sake? Were we experiencing a global problem like not having a touchscreen? Innovation and inventions are approaches that solve future needs in the present, rather than solving the problems of their time. Just as over time, we accepted the mobile phone as a tool that solved the problem of mobile communication, it did not prevent us from perceiving the solution as innovation we hadn't even identified as innovation. The critical point is exactly this!
Evaluating new ventures within established methods leaves a leg of the concept incomplete. Of course, commercial, economic, and operational concerns will be questioned, but we must also avoid letting these technical reasons cause us to miss the bigger picture. True creativity comes from creative thinking! Imitating others only produces similar products.
Understanding the essence of the business, and even contributing to the development of the entrepreneur's idea, may seem more difficult than questioning it! However, what will set us apart from others is having such a perspective.
Otherwise, we would just keep asking the same questions and making similar comments! We cannot afford to make entrepreneurship and innovation dull.
Dr. Bilinç Dolmacı
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