GD Topic - Innovation Vs Invention: What does the world need?

MBA entrance exams have begun for the academic year 2025-26. Candidates taking the exam must prepare for the Group Discussion round. GD is a significant step of MBA admission process. “Innovation and Invention” are two different, yet important concept for human progress, which face a lot of debate as to what shapes the modern world better. Learn about innovation and invention, and their importance to the world in this article.

Are you ready to take the next big step toward your MBA dream? The journey doesn’t end after acing the MBA entrance exams like CAT, XAT, SNAP, NMAT, or MAH MBA CET. The Group Discussion (GD) round awaits, serving as a pathway to your dream B-school. But what exactly does it take to stand out in a GD?

Group Discussion is an important step in the MBA admission process. The GD round is designed to evaluate candidates on their communication skills, critical thinking, and leadership potential. During a GD, participants are divided into groups and assigned topics that range from current affairs and business-related issues to abstract ideas and case studies. This is your chance to showcase your knowledge, present your thoughts, listen actively, and demonstrate time management and presentation skills. The way you express and structure your ideas, along with the effective use of language, can make or break your chances.

Top B-schools in India, including the IIMs, XLRI Jamshedpur, and SPJIMR, use scores from entrance exams to shortlist candidates for the GD/PI rounds. These exams test candidates on quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, and verbal skills, ensuring a competitive admissions process. To secure your place in a prestigious MBA programme, excelling in the GD round is as vital as performing well in the entrance exams.

Check Out: Top B-Schools in India

So, are you prepared to make your mark in the GD and move closer to your MBA goals? Check out information on the GD Topic: Innovation vs Invention from the space below.

Innovation Vs Invention

“Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.” – Steve Jobs. This statement appropriately highlights the transformative power of innovation. At the same time, history shows some groundbreaking and life-altering inventions that have changed human civilization. From the wheel to the internet, the first vaccine to space programmes and technologies, invention and innovation have equally given a push to humanity in different but fruitful ways. While invention means creating something new from scratch, innovation means improving what already exists to make it more accessible and practical. Although both are essential for humanity, there is always a debate over what is more important for the world. The GD given below explores the meanings, significance, and necessity of both to understand their relevance and importance in today’s world.

What is Innovation?

Innovation is the process of improving or modifying an existing product or service by applying the prevailing ideas, technologies, or processes to create value. Innovation majorly focuses on enhancing the usability, efficiency, and accessibility of the product or service, while addressing the specific challenges or market needs.

For instance,

Communication: The development of telephones into mobile phones is an innovation by Motorola, which allowed people to communicate around the world easily.
E-commerce Platforms: Amazon innovated the retail experience and changed consumer habits by enhancing online shopping experience with logistics.
Transportation: The innovation of electric vehicles by Tesla transformed the automotive industry towards sustainability.

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Significance of Innovation

Innovation is crucial for human civilization as it solves modern-day challenges and improves the living standards of people.

Economic Growth: By developing the assembly line invented during the 18^th century, Henry Ford developed it into a modern assembly line in the early 20^th century, revolutionizing the manufacturing industry by drastically reducing production costs and making automobiles affordable for the people. This innovation transformed industries and fostered economic growth.
Competitiveness: Companies like Apple dominate the market due to their relentless focus on innovation in their product's hardware and software making communication and lifestyle easy and better for the people.
Problem Solving: Different renewable energy technologies like solar panels and wind turbines are some of the major innovations addressing the modern-day global challenge of climate change.
Convenience: Innovations required for everyday life such as online banking; e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Myntra; and ride-sharing apps like Ola and Uber; have simplified the lives of people.

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What is Invention?

Invention means creating something entirely new that has never existed before. Inventions drive scientific discovery and technological advancement introducing something new to the world.

For instance,

Communication: The invention of the telephone by Alexander Graham Bell laid down the foundation for global communication networks.
Vaccines: Edward Jenner’s invention of the smallpox vaccine saved millions of lives and laid down the foundation for immunology.
Printing Press: The invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg helped publishers in the mass production of books, making information more accessible to the people and simultaneously transforming education and literacy.

Significance of Invention

Invention provides the initial breakthrough necessary for significant progress.

Breakthroughs: Inventions are the catalysts for the industrial and technological progress of the world. Inventions like the steam engine by James Watt initiated the Industrial Revolution by making drastic changes to transportation, manufacturing, agriculture, and daily life.
Enhancing Quality of Life: Inventions make everyday activities more accessible and convenient, improving the quality of life. Inventions like the light bulb paved the way for industrial growth and made life easier for people after dark.
Scientific Progress: Inventions like the telescope and microscope have revolutionized scientific inquiry, enabling humanity to explore the universe.

Innovation or Invention: Which One is Important?

Both innovation and invention are equally important in today's world. Invention creates new possibilities, improving the present, and addressing unknown challenges. For instance, the invention of the airplane by the Wright brothers was a revolutionary step in transportation, allowing people to touch the sky. On the other hand, innovation makes inventions accessible, convenient, and scalable to the people. For example, commercial aviation, a development in airplanes, transformed global travel and trade and made air transportation accessible to all.

Innovation or Invention: What Does the World Need?

In today’s fast-paced world, the immediate need often tilts toward innovation, as it allows for quick and efficient solutions to pressing problems. However, long-term growth and breakthroughs depend on the continued encouragement of invention. Striking a balance between the two is the best approach for sustainable development.

By the above GD, we have learned that Invention and innovation are two sides of the same coin, driving progress in complementary ways. While inventions provide a foundation for groundbreaking change, innovation ensures that these changes are beneficial and easily accessible to the people. The challenges of today’s world demand a balanced approach, fostering the creative spirit needed for invention and the practical mindset required for innovation. Together, they ensure that humanity not only advances technologically but does so in a sustainable and impactful way, addressing both current needs and future aspirations.

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Top Group Discussion (GD) Topics for MBA GD/PI

Candidates preparing for the Group Discussion Rounds for admissions in MBA at B-schools can check out the below GD topics: