Like Google, Apple has its lean innovation programs fine tuning and improving its internal processes.

FORBES: Solving Apple's Innovation Problem

The lean innovation process, the agile approach rather than the controlled approach, is oriented more towards involving users in the evolution of the product.

FORBES: So If The PC Is Dying, What Happens With Microsoft Next?

Lately, his Lean LaunchPad course at Stanford has been the model for an intriguing pilot programme called Innovation Corps (or I-Corps for short) which seeks to turn the traditional Silicon Valley start-up model on its head, and thereby reduce the woeful failure rate of new ventures.

ECONOMIST: Innovation