What is the difference between innovator and Instigator?

An innovator is someone who introduces new ideas, methods, or products, often with added value or improvement over what already exists, focusing on practical implementation and market adoption.

An instigator, on the other hand, is someone who initiates or provokes action, often by stirring up change or causing a particular event or process to start.

The image is a comparison chart titled “Instigator vs Innovator”.

The left side of the chart depicts an instigator. The text below the image reads: “A person who provokes or encourages others to act or cause trouble.”

The right side of the chart depicts an innovator. The text below the image reads: “A person who introduces new ideas, methods, or products.” — instigator vs innovator

The distinction between innovator and instigator lies in the nature and intent of the actions attributed to each. These terms are often used in different contexts to describe individuals who drive change, but they do so in fundamentally different ways.

Definition

Innovator

An innovator is a person who introduces new ideas, methods, or products or makes significant improvements to existing ones. Innovators are typically seen as positive agents of change, contributing to the advancement and betterment of their respective fields.

Characteristics of an Innovator:

Creativity: Generates novel ideas and solutions.
Visionary: Has a clear vision of what the future could look like.
Change-Maker: Implements new ideas that result in change.
Problem Solver: Addresses existing challenges with new approaches.

Instigator

An instigator, on the other hand, is someone who provokes action or incites others to take action, often without being directly involved in the implementation or outcome. The term can carry a neutral, positive, or negative connotation depending on the context and the nature of the action provoked.

Characteristics of an Instigator:

Provocative: Initiates action by challenging the status quo or provoking thought.
Catalyst: Serves as a trigger for a reaction or change.
Influencer: Persuades or motivates others to act.
Agitator: Can be seen as someone who stirs up public sentiment or opinion, sometimes in a disruptive way.

Synonyms of Innovators

Innovation is considered as a driving force in progress.

It includes the introduction of novel ideas, methods, or products that bring positive change and advancement.

For more information about innovations, check our glossary

Relationship and Relevance

Both innovators and instigators play crucial roles in the process of change, but they contribute in different capacities. Innovators are directly involved in creating or improving ideas, products, or methods, while instigators may simply set the stage for change by encouraging or inciting others to take action.

The terms “innovator” and “instigator” have distinct meanings and implications. Let’s explore the differences between the two:

Definition:
- Innovator: An innovator is someone who introduces new ideas, methods, or products that bring about positive change and improvement. They are creative thinkers who strive to make advancements and solve problems [1].
- Instigator: An instigator, on the other hand, is someone who initiates or provokes a particular action or change. They may disrupt the status quo or incite others to take action, often with the intention of stirring things up or challenging existing norms [1].
Focus:
- Innovator: Innovators focus on generating new and original ideas, concepts, or inventions. They aim to create something unique and valuable that can have a significant impact on society, industries, or specific fields [1].
- Instigator: Instigators, on the other hand, are more concerned with initiating change or stirring up a reaction. They may identify areas that need improvement or challenge existing systems, practices, or beliefs to provoke action or discussion [1].
Approach:
- Innovator: Innovators typically approach problems or challenges with a mindset of creativity, exploration, and improvement. They seek to find innovative solutions and may invest time and resources in research, development, and experimentation [1].
- Instigator: Instigators often adopt a more provocative or disruptive approach. They may question established norms, challenge authority, or push for change by highlighting issues or advocating for alternative perspectives [1].
Impact:
- Innovator: Innovators aim to make a positive impact by introducing new ideas, products, or processes that can lead to advancements, efficiency, or improved outcomes. Their focus is on creating value and driving progress [1].
- Instigator: Instigators may have a more varied impact depending on their intentions and the context in which they operate. They may incite change, spark debates, or challenge the status quo, which can lead to both positive and negative consequences [1].

In summary, while both innovators and instigators can bring about change, innovators focus on introducing new ideas or inventions to drive improvement and progress, while instigators provoke action or challenge existing norms to initiate change or stimulate discussion.

The key difference between an innovator and an instigator is:

Innovators are focused on expanding beyond existing products and services, exploring new pricing models, delivery methods, customer engagement, and business models.[1] They have a well-rounded set of skills and capabilities to internally drive invention and innovation.[2] Innovators can take the ideas of others and transform them.

In contrast, instigators are more focused on stirring up change and solutions, but may lack the full understanding of how to execute and follow through on their ideas.[2] Instigators are often technical specialists or subject matter experts who are good at starting new initiatives, but may need support to bring their ideas to fruition.[2]

While innovators have a broader skillset to drive internal change, instigators excel at sparking new ideas and solutions, even if they require more assistance with the implementation.[2][3] Innovators occupy a space between intrapreneurs and instigators, able to both invent internally and push change externally.[2]

In summary, innovators are more well-rounded change agents who can transform ideas, while instigators are more specialized initiators of new solutions.[1][2]

Context for Using Each Term

The term innovator is used when discussing individuals who have developed new solutions or substantially improved existing ones, especially with a focus on practical implementations. In contrast, the term instigator is used to describe a person who sparks a reaction or motivates others to act, which could lead to innovation but does not necessarily involve direct creative action on their part.

Examples

Example of an Innovator

Steve Jobs is widely recognized as an innovator for his role in reshaping several industries with products like the iPhone, iPad, and MacBook. These innovations have had a profound impact on technology and culture, changing how people communicate and access information.

Example of an Instigator

A historical example of an instigator is Rosa Parks, whose refusal to give up her seat on a bus to a white person was a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement. She instigated a broader movement for change, inspiring others to act and leading to significant social reform.

FAQs

Q: Is being an instigator always negative?
A: No, the term instigator can have positive, neutral, or negative connotations depending on the context and the results of the instigated action.

Q: Can an innovator also be an instigator?
A: Yes, an innovator can act as an instigator if their new ideas or improvements provoke broader change beyond their own creations.

Q: What does it mean to instigate change?
A: To instigate change means to initiate or provoke actions or events that lead to change. It involves sparking the initial momentum for transformation.