Innovation is like wondering in the fog there is a faint hint of what might be beyond the fog. You know where you want to go. Sometime the fog lifts and you can see clearly, sometimes it is light and you have to strain to stay focused (can you find the tall ship - The Lynks in the photo?). The hardest time is when the fog has rolled in and you can’t tell where to go, which way to step, and are afraid to move and depending on light houses, and compass to guide you.
You must plan for the fog of innovation:
Make sure you have a strong team, advisers and mentors to be your light houses and compass when the fog is heavy and it is unclear how to move forward. These need to be in place before you needed them because you will on trust their guidance if you know them before you needed them.
No where you want to go, have a vision so when the fog starts to roll in and you need to focus you know where to look and you know the direction you want to head. It will help you to stay on course.
When the fog lifts go fast. Take advantage of the ability to move fast but also look around. Check your course, see what else is around you and study your surroundings so when the fog comes back, and it will you, know your direction, know the landscape and have your lighthouses set up.