In the end, innovation is a slippery concept, demanding chaos and discipline, process and flexibility, New Age approaches and old-fashioned common sense. After all, the motivation to innovate often emanates from the everyday thought, "There has to be a better way." Says Price: "It's about really giving a damn about something and being determined to find the know-how to help you with that problem."

Brandel is a Computerworld contributing writer in Newton, Mass. Contact her at marybrandel@verizon.net.

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