VERBATIMS
Which companies do you consider to be the most innovative and why??
Apple - because they truly leverage consumer insights
3-M: Amount of money they dedicate to researching innovation and goals for new products.
3M and Sony
3M
Apple
Honda
Amazon
Dell
Jet Blue Airlines
Google
Virgin
etrade
monster
3M - dedicates time to unstructured daydreaming
3 M due to its continued process.
Intel in chip design
P & G in new product technology
Loctite in Industrial Adhesives
Lubrizol in lurbricants
Clorox in conumser cleaning

3M gives its scientists time to work on personal projects of interest, so they essentially pay their people to explore and create things that may or may not be directly related to 3M.
3M - post its!
madonna - how many times has she re-invented herself?
3M seems to have a new product offering each quarter. One would think paper is very boring, but 3M has really made the industry fun, colorful and interesting yet still practical over the years.
3M - they encourage innovation at every level
3m : they take commoditys and make them "oddities" I understand that a large portion of revenues go into prod. development.
Target: taking a high end posistion and shaking up the entire retail world with "cheap chic" "disposable fashion" and bringing "class to the mass".
Virgin: They have given themselves "liscense to fail". So they continue to explore, expand and re-invent.
ad agencies, marketing companies, high tech
A lot of the companies that market "gadgets" to the teen/twenties market -- they have to be fast, and "in tune" or these buyers will just go elsewhere -- my impression is that those customers have less brand loyalty.
Amazon, eBay, Barnes & Noble, Apple, Pepsi-Cola, Frito-Lay
amazon
microsoft
Any company where the employees are excited about the future and know that they will make a difference in the way that future plays out is, almost by default, an innovative company.
WL Gore & Associates wins my admiration for building and maintaining a company where innovation is at the very core.
Apple, because they continue to produce great products that are simple to useand aren't afraid to introduce new technology.
General Mills, because people in the field are empowered to make decisions, but they company speaks with one voice.
Apple Computers - always something different and changes the way we think about computers.
Apple Computer - they are a step ahead of the entire computer industry and they continually come out with products that are something you didn't expect, have more to them and have the 'wow' factor that's cool.
Apple Computer - They have created a true brand experience. It sets them apart from other computer companies.
Nike- Nike is not so much about tennis shoes but about inspiration and lifestyle.
Ben & Jerry's - they create a brand experience and they are consistent.

Apple computer-- they have fresh new ways of looking at trite issues.
candy companies -- always new products on store shelves.
Apple Computer - They're always inventing innovative ways to work and communicate.
Sony (electronics) -- in a sea of lookalike, workalike products, Sony still manages to be the gold standard, bringing to market the innovations that the other guys will be bringing out NEXT year. The name is synonymous with innovation.
Apple has innovative ads, but it doesn't always make up for what seems a flawed market/product strategy.
Apple
Ikea
Target
These companies are not afraid to take risks and to help motivate changes among consumers.
Apple - innovative in their approach to product design.
Apple - redefined what a computer should look like.
Apple -- restless pursuit of what consumers want, incorporating simplicity, functionality and ergonomics
BMW -- their cars just keep getting better and better; you don't hear about too many BMW owners who switch over to other brands
GE -- they have an incredible heritage to maintain and are committed to leadership (top three slots) in whatever industry they play in
apple
starbucks
walmart -- safely innovative, big thinkers
Apple, still trying to find new and more user friendly ways to use technology
Apple -- technologically GE -- Financially Habitat for Humanity -- Socially
Apple, Volkswagon, Maxis...
automotive and consumer goods ... Mercedes Benz and Mars ... Coca Cola ... and Pepsi ... Bud ... They get attention and have a good staying power
Barnes and Noble

reflect.com
redenvelope.com
Sony
It's rare to have leaders like this.
Believe it or not, P&G, QuickSilver, Progressive Insurance, Sega...
Budweiser -- they have catchy, creative radio commercials -- attention grabbing
can't think of any right now.
Coca Cola
Nike
Microsoft
Coke - although we've all been puting lemon ino our DC for years, at least they marketed it as a product first
Companies that develop new ideas to existing ways of doing business for purposes of growing the business, establishing a unique identity and thinking long-term.
Companies willing to challenge the status quo, take risks, invest in and highly value intellectual capital, and adapt quickly and flexibly to changing market and business conditions
Apple
General Electric
Dell
BMW
Coach
Companies with strong product development who interpret trends in the market and respond to or create demand. eg Sony, Nike, Microsoft
Compaq IPAQ - Have a deep undestanding of consumer's experience and a meaningful branding/product structure
Heman Miller - Always challenging the design direction
MSFT - They listen

Pepsi - Ethnofuturist approach
cool news for sure! ;-)
DIESEL, because they think always out of the box
UNILEVER has a dedicated innovation centre to create new concepts of product
Diesel Jeans: Always pushing the envelope
Jones Soda: Definitevely pushing the envelop with their crazy flavours in pop
Chupa Chups: Link their products with youth lifestyle ones. Always showing up in places where you don't expect them to be.
Dish - stays ahead of the curve and offers high quality programming, affordably
Microsoft - leads the way in PCs.
Blackberry - best PDA out there.
Sony - great gaming
Disney- always looking for something new
The major amusement ride manufacturers- continually combining new technologies with entertainment
Japanese auto companies- customer, economy, ecology, and technology sensitive and nimble at combining the needs and opportunities of each
Nikon- taking old applications and uses and merging them with new technology
eBay
Apple
Ikea
HBO
Virgin Entertainment
Target
Eureka Ranch

Strategic Creativity Corp
Jet Blue
Federal Express - they constantly innovate new products and services and always deliver on the customer's expectations.
Fedex a ggod example, refining their business model to meet needs of their customers.
Fitch - Lateral Thinking
Specialized (Moutain Bikes) - they're about to revolutionise the top end MTB segment
BMW - by pitching engineering as a consumer feature
Virgin Atlantic - by defusing the elitism of trans atlantic travel
IBM - innovative marketing
Food companies - much better at recognizing cultural/societal trends
Cosmetic companies - cool, fun stuff for body, mind and face
Mid Tier retailers - Target, upper end specialty stores always finding neat products to sell to consumption happy, Marketer Moms like me!
Specialty shops - they shop the world and tap local vendors for unique wares that will eventually spawn reinterpretations by the big CPG companies.
Frito -- in it for the long haul
GE, 3M, SC Johnsen, P&G, - they invest time, resources, and dollars in the inovation process
GE - always doing something new
P&G - always ahead of the curve
Dell - Very creative

Gilette -- How many new razors can you come up with? And still have them be relevant to consumers?
The diaper companies -- Turning commodities into specialized goods.
Gillette - for well developed and marketed innovations in shaving
WDP - for the Angel
Hallmark Cards: having a finger on the emotional pulse of all their major constituencies has been institutionalized
Kraft Foods: their business is TOTALLY worked out with consumers involved. Whirlpool/Kitchenaid: ditto
Wal-Mart: they collect the data and then they pay VERY CLOSE attention to what it is telling them.
Hallmark Cards, Target, Apple, ESPN, Pixar
HBO, risk-taking programs
MTVNetworks, has their finger on the pulse
home depot, starbucks, walmart
HP - keep it s way of comuincation, high qiality produtcs, new produtcs central
IBM, 3M, AT&T ... because they have adapted and led their market places
IDEO, an industrial design and consulting firm. They have established a brain trust of, well, smart people, who are part of their design teams. They do smart, insightful work that makes a difference.
I'll mention industries: Telecom, Biotech, computer related, Internet, Aerospace
In our industry, Deutsch. Past advertising I'd turn to GE, Procter, BMW and the entire consumer electronics industry, including cell phones.
Intel and Microsoft. They alqways rethink their strategy

Intel, Apple,
I think some of the automotive manufacturers (Honda, Ford) that are beginning to be more aggressive in addressing the need for alternative fuel vehicles are more innovative than is publicly promoted.
I think the small start up companies are the most innovative, because they aren't held back and can think out of the box. SoBe and Red Bull come to mind in the drinks category (at least when they first came out).
Kohl's-brand name, low-priced merchadise, sold in a pleasant and easy environment
New Balance-it's in the authentic, quality product, not the marketing that has made them grow so consistetnly
Kraft/Clorox
Kraft, Lexus, Microsoft
Kraft -- seem to be able to come up with small changes that result in nice gains on a regular basis
Larger corporations who dedicate funds to new product development and small entreprenuer companies who take the risk that innovation brings.
Lion Nathan
Coca cola
Fisher & Paykel
macey noyes - because its our passion. if i had to think of another.... probably - ideo
Marketing, promo marketing and othe creative agencies dealing with branding and imaging.
microsoft, 3 M, Cemex Mexico
Microsoft, Cisco -- they allow for creativity in their organizations and give people the freedom to explore new paths
Microsoft, GE

Microsoft - making computer use possible for normal users.
Academic insights and paradigms.
Microsoft moves from a powerful position, and invests well.
Microsoft...obviously
GE...culture IBM...leadership
Microsoft - right on top
Other technology companies - on the cutting edge of what is happening in the world
Financial services companies - always need to be step ahead of the game to figure out how to make new markets or increase their share of the money market
Microsoft they've....clearly changed the world.
M&M MARS, Yoplait, AT&T Wireless,
More than companies, industries like music, fashion, electronics, automotive where they are always looking for the next level of energy and excitement.
Nabisco -- not only do they know how to develop new ideas, their culture is one of openness and collaboration -- new ideas can thrive there.
Name a company that is not just solvent but thriving and they are bound to be leaders in innovation.
Nike - Continuously changing and improving
MINI - Great product and interactive website
Pepsi - Unique new products
Nike, Microsoft, WalMart

Each shows the ability to keep their brands alive and relevant with their target audiences, over an extended period of time. This is innovation.
Nike - Never afraid to try/introduce new products in very different categories.
Nike--they are always developing new products for their new markets and the markets they want to capture
Patagonia--they had the good sense to cut back on growth when it began to become unmanageable
Nike - they bring out the best in their customers, from weekend warrior to couch potato
Nokia
Nokia ... always ahead of competition in providing relevant consumer benefits.
Nokia, GE, ... because they have harnessed a global capacity for knowledge accumulation and sharing.
Nokia - same basic electronics - repackaged to match consumer trends
Rubbermaid- dull kitchen plastics that no one can avoid buying at sometime
Home electronics industry - better equipment and better prices every year
Gormet ice cream firms like Eddy's and B&J - a flavor for everyone's taste... sooner or later it will be customized at the retail outlet
None - in particular - in our field
Oakley, Nike
Ollie Pop Bubble Gum Co. It is actually an advertising company cleverly disguised as a bubble gum company. Check it out and see for yourself at www.olliepop.com.
online marketing
Orange - innovated in the way they communicated with consumer and what they say compared to the average wireless company

Outback Steakhouse - they've developed a very strong brand and they stay committed to their image and communicating that immage.
PAckaged goods companies: keep renewing "old" concepts
Starbucks for creating a new and exiting concept out of a commodity product
Palm - changed the paradigm of a handheld organizer and made people's lives more efficient and backed-up.
ebay - constantly gives us what we want and brand extensions build on that
San Jose Repertory Theatre (San Jose, CA) - constantly personalizing the theatre experience and sets the trends for audience development and outreach into the community.
palm--to stay alive, they must invent
nokia--mainstream new
hbo--new programming
PepsiCo/Frito-Lay, Wm. Wrigley Jr., Kellogg Co., Proctor & Gamble - new product innovation
AOL - makes life easier for customers
Dell - takes a mundane product and makes it exciting through advertising and marketing
Pepsi, Wal Mart, Disney,
Pfizer - new drugs, creative marketing
P & G, Nestle, Coke, Budweiser
P&G, Nestle, Nokia
P&G - over the long term, willing to allocate a certain level of resources for innovation.

P&G, Pepsi, Citibank, Stonyfield Farms
potterybarn - because they identify trends and capitablize on them
Procter & Gamble - leader in market w/ many new innovations yearly!
Kraft - same reason
Promotion Marketing agencies are extremely innovative. The good ones develop programs that affect both attitude and behavior.
Apple Computer - it's innovative product designs and communications
REI - they know their market. their communications are educational, revalent and fun.
Napastyle - their cross channel marketing hits the mark.
Nature Conservancy - a non-profit that is proactive, inspiring and well managed
Discovery Communications - an amazing group whose reach touches the hearts, minds and souls of humans around the world
Rubbermaid hundreds of innovative products
Canon heavy technology r&d 3M ditto Sony ditto
Charter One great attitude about trial and failure
BMW continued automotive design improvements
S.C. Johnson has emerged as one of the leading innovators in recent years. They have brought innovation to the marketplace with line extensions like 'no drip' Windex as well as with completely new products such as Saran Disposable Cutting Boards and Saran Quick Covers. (Quick Covers is an old idea from decades ago that was just waiting to be branded).
SoBe- Not afraid to take chances
Apple- Trying to give consuemrs products that have a forward thinkning sense of style.

Bacardi-Aggresively introduces and markets new products
software developers - constantly thinking of new ways of tackling many of the long standing issues of business process and productivity improvements.
Sony and Nokia because they reinvent permanently the way we can enjoy leisures, they create our future ways of living
Chanel for the way they regularly modernise the mythe with consistency
Virgin because they launched breakthrough offers on all the markets they entered
Sony: consistently producing new, improved products; Toyota: consistent innovation
Ukrop's: local grocery chain which makes it a practice to drop successful products/services after a few years to replace with improved products & services
Amazon.com: have expanded beyond their intitial product categories in a manner which leverages existing operational strengths.
Sony - great products (many firsts) and also great concpets in communicating with their audiences (i.e. connected identity in japan)
ebay - the concept just keeps on improving with incremental changes to the core product
Sony (innovative products and tie-ins) Philips also for the same reasons
Nokia (style and innovation)
Ducati (great engineering)
Levis (constant development/listens to customers - at least these days) as does Puma
Apple (style and innovation "thinks differently")
Bang & Olufsen (state of the art technology)
Microsoft (R&D)

University of Oxford (continues to create successful spinoff companies) Big on sponsorship and maintains incredible international links)
Mercedes-Benz (style, safety and innovation) and Volkswagon
Southwest Airlines - Continually looking for new ways to make air travel fun and keep costs down.
Casinos - Frequenly coming up with innovative ways to keep folks losing money and loving it.
Starbucks, Jet Blue
Starbucks Target Sony Motorola
Steelcase - Frequent experimentations, learn from mistakes vs. punish
3M - Built into the cullture and expectations
Citibank - for their industry they have frequent experiments
target:- awesome awareness of culture; great brand ID; good pricepoints constantly refreshing and expanding the brand ups- innovation and technology drive old industry renewed focus on branding pete's wicked ale - innovative products and line extension
Target unafraid to remain upscale discounter in challenging times. They're winning despite the world.
Mini-Cooper. Bright, inventive and disarmingly charming in a world that isn't.
Target - what a change (and upgrade!) of its image in just a few short years
Apple - as much as I hate to say it, I am always surprised and impressed by its new products
Target: who could believe 5 years ago that Target would transform itself into a brand? One that advertises in leading edge, fashion wise environments?
Technology companies are the most innovative. Sometimes at the expense of other areas.
Technology firms and premier conumer packaged goods companies.

Television (cable) shows, writers, MTV (pushing the envelope if not innovation),
The companies that manage to reinvent themselves (e.g. turning Swiss Army Knives into golf gadgets and mountain bike tools)
The company that is making the personal people movers. They are finding ways to take new technology to new levels.
Southwest Airlines - I love the "out of the box" thoughts.
The ones that create great new ideas that transform the way humans and animals live, love and interrelate with one another and the world.
The ones that take risks and the ones that are able to re-invent themselves in a clever way.
in terms of constant product innovation I would say nike for its constant thrieving on finding new and innovative sports equipement/ shoe development, technological advantage...this is another point - is it being "innovative" on an idea basis or on a technological basis (therefore you could name lots of technology companies...)
There is only one company in India which I considered the most innovative. 'Anjali Appliances' which introduce something new every few months.
The technology companies are still the most innovative that I know of.
This is odd but I am a huge fan of ESPN and all the marketing that they do. From their neat web page to the fabulously funny commercials, ESPN has it going on.
Those that offer new services, technology, etc. and unique ways to improve their customer service.
Tobbaco Companies Bed Bath & Beyond Diageo
To me, from the advertising and marketing perspective, innovation means "clever", "unique" and stands out above other similar companies...
Pepsi, their online advertising centered around Britney Spears during the SuperBowl
ChickFilA, cows promoting chicken
Verizon Wireless, specifically their recent 9/11 tribute ad
Oprah, has grown into her own brand, inspiring women of all ages

MTV, development of unique programming - the first reality show, The Real World, and while often controversial, its provided an outlet for young people to embrace diversity.
two of the most innovative companies are Play in Richmond, VA and Merge records in Chapel Hill, NC. Play works with companies to help them realize and fully utilize their employees creative potential. merge records has steadily grown from a one person run show to one of the most respected labels in the record business.
Faster service, consistant lower rates, along with expansion
UPS Nike Starbucks Yahoo Microsoft Apple
very few major brand companies are really innovative.
Virgin Blue- good use of humour and PR
Virgin (UK) because they take well-planned risks that challenge the dominant competitive framework.
Virtually none. Companies nowadays are really not interest in innovations which does not generate quick cash flow. Look around the huge financial scandals and you will agree.
VW Apple Heinz
vw - design
whole foods - focus
Williams, having taken their energy pipeline and turning it into a pipeline for technology:
wireless companies are constantly pushing the envelope
wk, business 2.0, Sony,