Innovation, quality engineering, and statistics

Abstract

We discuss the key roles of statistics and quality engineering in the innovation process in business and industry. We review approaches that can be used in order to increase the chances of innovative discoveries. Most important, we stress the necessity for the quality engineering community to strengthen and promote its role in innovation. As Bisgaard (2006) has said, we should reframe much of what we do as systematic innovation. Adapting to the changing business and economic climate can revitalize our profession; failure to adapt threatens it. © 2012 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.