Bureaucracy kills innovation

I've just finished reading an interesting essay on TechCrunch called The Cost of Prudence that has really resonated with me.

It discusses the impact bureaucracy has on innovation, or more to the point that it kills innovation. It is well worth the read, especially if you work in Government or a large organization that has gone down a similar path.

Speaking from experience with almost 7 years working in Government, trying to be innovative is almost impossible. As Government Departments and Agencies grow and evolve, processes and procedures can seriously hamper innovation, especially when it involves technology.

Unless you have management willing to take risk, it is a battle to get anything off the ground. I started developing a social network for our many community groups over two years ago. I am yet to get approval. Every time I think it is close to being launched another obstacle or as my managers call them, checks are put in my way. I continue to comply to their requests and get the required information necessary to move the project to the next level. I am not sure how many levels there are but have a sneaking suspicion that they are endless and possibly designed to avoid ever launching my network!