In a rapidly changing world marked by fierce global competition, companies need to embrace innovation in order to survive. But investing in innovation can be costly and CEOs are often afraid of taking any risk that might threaten their profit margins. So how can companies create the conditions for innovation to take place whilst maintaining their productivity? The article examines this crucial issue facing companies today.

With this article you can

• find out the results of a survey of nearly 900 company leaders and more than 1,000 employees resident in the US and UK on innovation
• Listen to a radio interview describing how Google creates a working environment that encourages its staff to make innovations
• Check your comprehension of the article and radio interview by completing some activities
• Practise using the passive form in a report
• Expand your vocabulary with some common idioms and phrasal verbs