It makes life better, faster, easier and cheaper.
Energy Experts around the world will always be subjected to ‘Innovation’ and it is very easy to be “sucked” into the incorrect systems and processes. Over my many years within the industry, I have witnessed innovation, sometimes taking my eye off the facts and whether the innovation actually provides real benefits. It is always very difficult to actually identify whether the technology is a real innovation or just fake. One of the scary things I always find is that whenever I challenge the innovation as a technology, it has always been designed by NASA. I apologies if you have such an innovation. In addition, I have also witnessed ideas that will be a, “get rich quick” idea and even ideas that have been copied.
All this said, there are true innovation technologies out there which are amazing and will provide us with all the benefits and value. The main problem in today’s industry is that there are possibly thousands of widgets or products in our marketplace, trying to burst into the commercial world.
To confirm to you what the definition of innovation is, it is an invention of a software or technology that has been commercialised and is better, faster, easier and cheaper. If we were to dismiss every piece of innovation in the world where would we be today? The world and our industry have seen some truly amazing innovative technologies ranging from the common light bulb to solar power.
I will be honest. In my many years within this industry, although having dismissed many innovational ideas, I’ve also supported many, from putting the technology into water, to attaching it to my gas pipes and even putting it on the end of my taps. I have even invented my own software, but ultimately it all boils down to three main areas that will help the innovation “make” it. They are money, passion and support from others which without all three will be bound to fail.
If we do not embrace innovation and really support the individuals, innovation will be sure to die and fade. When this happens, we could lose all our inventors and where will that leave us?
I have never invested in technology, apart from software, but I have always found time to support good innovations especially the ones I have had the real opportunity to “plug” into my house or my life. Previously I have trialed with some clients but only trialed. In some cases, I have even got to know the inventors.
So here are my thoughts and tips to all you inventors, which will avoid us losing some really great ideas. Please never give up, please create passion, encourage investors and investment (but choose wisely).
One key factor here is, don’t try and be overprotective to your invention because it will never have “legs” in the world. I have seen so many inventors try and hold on to their amazing ideas to be snubbed at a later date.
Here are my thoughts to us ‘experts’. Seek time with the inventor, listen to the inventors, give time to the invention, trial the technology and really do your analysis and du-diligence and once you have a really clear and concise understanding of the technology, then support it. Support doesn’t mean that you have to start financing the technology, it just means you are happy to acknowledge this technology as something that has a chance of being something special. Maybe the next light bulb!
In 2020 I have worked with two inventors, Nigel Bamford and Keith Myler-Dixon both of which have really exciting technologies and are ones to be watched closely in 2021. Nigel bless him, has appeared on ‘Dragons Den’ and was not treated very well but hey, what would they have known? I have Nigel’s technology in my own house and on some of my customers properties pending the new normal for some serious trial work. Nigel will be featured soon on ‘Energy Speaks Back’. He really needs more people to listen to him. The savings achieved with water and heating are significant.
Keith’s technology, which I featured recently on my Podcast, has had a very humble start, as we have watched his story unfold on a weekly basis with the unit being built in his garden (most inventors start in their garden or shed). Keith has found some investors and there are experts listening to him, so I think his tank has legs (if that is possible). Once the technology returns from the manufacturer, we will see organisations making significant savings.
So finally, here is my message…
Inventors – Don’t stop inventing and chase your dreams.
Experts – Start listening and really understand the innovation.
Investors – Invest wisely and ensure that you keep the inventor happy.
By us following these messages, ‘Innovation’ value will be generated in our world and life will be better, faster, easier and cheaper.