My experience is that most corporate executives have no idea what innovation really is or how to foster it. It’s a buzz word that they think makes them appear forward thinking. The problem is, their fear based, stress infused culture simply cannot deliver innovation. It is not cognitively or emotionally achievable. Unless someone lower on the food chain can create a micro culture where innovation can flourish, or at least not languish. I have seen that happen in spurts, but it’s seldom sustainable. Eventually, some manager or director will feel their ego being threatened and intervene.