Forbes has put together its list of the world’s most innovate companies, and the results are fairly shocking. Apple places fifth on the list, with Amazon sitting comfortably ahead at the number two spot. Google ranked a very surprising seventh place, with the number one spot going to Salesforce.com.
The question on everyone’s mind: How do you determine “innovation?”
Forbes explains:
“Questioning allows innovators to challenge the status quo and consider new possibilities; Observing helps innovators detect small details—in the activities of customers, suppliers and other companies—that suggest new ways of doing things; Networking permits innovators to gain radically different perspectives from individuals with diverse backgrounds; Experimenting prompts innovators to relentlessly try out new experiences, take things apart and test new ideas; Associational thinking—drawing connections among questions, problems or ideas from unrelated fields—is triggered by questioning, observing, networking and experimenting and is the catalyst for creative ideas.”
This list also considers what you would expect from a successful business, including things like market share, profits, growth and general buzz.
Other notable mentions include Starbucks at number 19, Nintendo at number 20, Adobe at number 54, and Apple’s lawsuit lover, HTC, at number 56.
What about Microsoft, you ask? Well, you’ll find the Redmond company nestled comfortably at number 86.
Alex Heath is a journalist who works for Tech Insider. He’s the former co-host of The CultCast. He has been quoted by the likes of the BBC, KRON 4 News, and books like “ICONIC: A Photographic Tribute to Apple Innovation.” He lives in Lexington, Kentucky. If you want to pitch a story, share a tip, or just get in touch, additional contact information is available on his personal site. Follow him on Twitter.
