If necessity is the mother of invention, then innovation is its nurturing father. The word innovate comes from the Latin to “make new”. It has never been more pressing -- in society as well as in organizations. Which thinkers have contributed the most to our understanding of innovation over the last two years? Thinkers50 has selected eight to innovate with:

1. Scott Anthony

Managing partner of Innosight, the innovation and growth consulting firm, Anthony is the author and co-author of several books, including (with Clay Christensen) Seeing What’s Next (HBR, 2004) and The First . . .