Management of Uncertainty – A Blind Spot in the Promotion of Innovations

Abstract

In industrial societies the idea has arisen that it is possible to eliminate uncertainty. Science, organization, technology and, linked to this, planning and control are all orientated in this direction – in particular in industrial production. Attempts at planning and control are also increasingly found within the scope of innovation management. However, in the case of innovations, uncertainty is not strictly a shortcoming but an important potential. The endeavor to eliminate uncertainty holds the risk of jeopardizing rather than promoting innovation. A new approach to uncertainty is required in order to promote innovation. It is necessary to recognize uncertainty and at the same time maintain the ability to act. To this end the better term seems to be the overcoming of uncertainty instead of elimination or powerlessness. In various academic disciplines there are approaches which relate to this such as the concept of an experience-led, subjectivity-based action or new approaches in project management. However to date they have barely been systematically addressed or linked in the prospect of a new way of dealing with uncertainty. In the article the necessity of a new approach to uncertainty is justified and the prospect of overcoming uncertainty as a basis for further articles on this topic is outlined.