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istory has repeatedly shown that organisations that fail to evolve risk obsolescence. From the decline of Kodak—once a giant in photography—for not adapting to digital, to the collapse of Blockbuster in the face of streaming services, the lesson is clear: stagnation is not an option. In a world constantly being reshaped by digital disruption and emerging technologies, innovation is the survival strategy for a thriving future. Operations that imbibe innovation are routes to resilience in the face of disruption.
Pakistan, like many developing economies, is seeing a promising rise in initiatives that are focused on fostering innovation and leveraging technology to address real-world challenges. Programmes such as Ignite’s National Incubation Centres, Jazz xlr8 and Telenor Velocity have created platforms for start-ups and innovators to collaborate with established organizations; scale their ideas; and contribute to national progress. PTCL’s Ideas Hackathon and Engro’s Innovation Garage have invited fresh thinking into traditional industries, showing that innovation is a necessity, and a priority.
Progressive nations across the globe have recognised the power of youth-driven innovation and actively nurture it. Finland’s education system emphasises creativity, digital literac, and entrepreneurial thinking from an early age. South Korea has heavily invested in research and development, offering young entrepreneurs robust support through government-backed incubators and tech hubs. In the United States, initiatives like the National Science Foundation’s I-Corps programme help young researchers commercialise their innovations. Countries like Estonia have integrated coding and digital skills into primary school curricula to future-proof their workforce.
Technology and innovation have emerged as the twin engines that drive progress, efficiency and sustainability. For Pakistan, a country brimming with untapped potential and a youthful population, embracing these elements is imperative. As of 2025, Pakistan’s youth population—typically defined as individuals between the ages of 15 and 29—is estimated to be over 60 per cent of its total population. Given that Pakistan’s total population is projected to be around 240 million, this roughly translates into 145 to 150 million people.
Organisations across the public and private sectors have realised that investing in innovation is the key to staying relevant, competitive and future-ready. The benefits are clear: streamlined operations, enhanced customer experience, new business models, and, perhaps most importantly, sustainable development. One standout example of this shift is K-Electric’s Innovation Challenge, an initiative that exemplifies how large organisations can proactively open their doors to ideas and use them to drive transformation. This challenge is designed to attract start-ups, technology enthusiasts and solution-driven thinkers to co-create impactful solutions for Pakistan’s power sector. With focus areas like grid modernisation, energy efficiency, customer engagement, renewable energy integration and safety, this initiative not only rewards winning concepts but also provides a platform for pilot implementation. This creates a unique opportunity for innovators to scale their ideas in real-world settings while corporates benefit from fresh perspectives and cutting-edge solutions. By encouraging open innovation, we not only modernise the infrastructure but also encourage a culture of collaboration—something other organisations can learn from and replicate.
Pakistan’s complex challenges of climate change, energy shortages, gaps in education and unequal access to healthcare are not insurmountable problems—they are invitations to innovate.
Pakistan’s greatest asset is its youth. With over 60 per cent of its population under the age of 30, the country stands at the threshold of a potential demographic dividend. This youthful energy, if channelled through the right platforms, mentorship and resources, can become a powerful driver of localised innovation. Consider how India’s IT boom was fuelled by investing in education and technology hubs like Bangalore. Pakistani organisations have a similar opportunity to unlock local solutions for local problems—from urban mobility to water management—by empowering young minds with tools and opportunities. Innovation, when rooted in the local context, tends to be more sustainable, culturally appropriate and impactful.
Throughout history, innovation has been the bedrock of competitive advantage. Nations and organisations that led the Industrial Revolution did so by pioneering new techniques and tools that boosted productivity and efficiency. Innovation is not just about profitability—it is about purpose. Innovations such as the polio vaccine and solar panels have reshaped societies and improved the quality of life for millions.
Pakistan’s complex challenges of climate change, energy shortages, gaps in education and unequal access to healthcare are not insurmountable problems—they are invitations to innovate. Organisations can lead the way by supporting social enterprises, green technologies and digital platforms that address these issues head-on. By embedding innovation into their core values, businesses become catalysts for meaningful and lasting social change.
The success of programmes like KE’s Innovation Challenge, Jazz xlr8 and NICs underscores the untapped potential that lies in investing in innovation. But these should not be isolated efforts. Every organisation—public or private—has a role to play in building an innovation-driven ecosystem. Governments should offer supportive policies, academia must evolve to foster research and experimentation. Corporations must allocate serious resources to research and development and innovation partnerships. Pakistan’s future depends on how boldly we invest in new ideas today, not just to stay relevant, but to lead the way.
The writer is a communications professional and writes abouttechnology, education and social issues. She can be reached athadiazaid2021gmail.com