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.

Group Discussion (GD) is an important step in the MBA admission process, conducted to test the communication skills, critical thinking, and leadership skills of a student. After the MBA entrance exam is conducted and results are out, the next step for MBA aspirants is Group Discussion/Personal Interview Round (GD/PI). During a Group Discussion, participants are divided into groups and each group is given a topic related to either current affairs, abstract ideas, case study, or business-related issues. Candidates are encouraged to present their views and are assessed based on their knowledge of the topic, communication skills, leadership qualities, presentation, listening skills, time management, and effective use of language.

Aspiring students wanting to pursure MBA need to qualify the MBA entrance exams such as CAT, XAT, SNAP, NMAT, MAH MBA CET, etc., to enter the MBA admission process. Many top B-schools in India, including IIMs, XLRI, and SPJIMR, use entrance exams scores to shortlist candidates for their MBA programme. These entrance exams test candidates on various abilities, including quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, and verbal skills, ensuring competitive MBA admissions process.

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 a wheel to the internet, first vaccine to space programmes and technologies, invention and innovation have equally given 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 usability, efficiency, and accessibility of the product or service, while addressing to the specific challenges or market needs.

For instance,

• Communication: The development of telephones into mobile phones is an innovation by Motorala, which allowed people to communicate around the world easily.
• E-commerce Platforms: Amazon innovated 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.

Significance of Innovation

Innovation is crucial for human civilization as it solves the modern-day challenged and improve the living standard of people.

1. Economic Growth: By developing the assembly line invented during 18^th century, Henry Ford developed it into modern assembly line in the early 20^th century, revolutionizing the manufacturing industry by drastically reducing the production cost and making automobiles affordable for the people. This innovation transformed industries and fostered economic growth.
2. Competitiveness: Companies like Apple dominates 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.
3. Problem Solving: Different renewable energy technologies like solar panels and wind turbines are some of the major innovations addressing modern-day global challenge of climate change.
4. Convenience: Innovations required for everyday life such as online banking; e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Myntra; ride-sharing apps like Ola, Uber; have simplified the life of people.

What is Invention?

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

For instance,

• Communication: The invention of 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 printing press by Johannes Gutenberg’s helped publishers in 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. 

1. Breakthroughs: Inventions are the catalysts for industrial and technological progress of the world. Inventions like steam engine by JamesWatt initiated the Industrial Revolution by makin drastic changes to transportation, manufacturing, agriculture, and daily life.
2. Enhancing Quality of Life: Inventions make everyday activities more accessible and convenient, improving the quality of life. Inventions like light bulb, paved a way for industrial growth and made life easier for people after dark.
3. 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 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 airplane, 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 learnt that Invention and innovation are two sides of the same coin, driving progress in complementary ways. While inventions provide a foundation for a 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.

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:

• Quick Comnerce: A Step Towards Progress or a Wasteful Luxury
• Importance of Statue of Unity 
• Citizenship Amendment Act - What and Why 
• Making Aadhaar mandatory is not a good idea- for or against 
• Implications of CAA-NCR 
• Cashless Economy – Is India ready for it? 
• All you need to know about Right To Information
• How can we control banking frauds to reduce NPAs? 
• Statue of Unity - Symbol of Pride or Wastage of Public Money? 
• Rural vs Urban India 
• Environment and us 
• Self Motivation 
• First impression is the last impression 
• Quick Commerce: A Step Toward Progress or a Wasteful Luxury?
• Crime Against Women in India: Who Bears the Responsibility?