Does "Lean" Apply to Innovation?

Although I have not read the specifics of this, Lean as well as a number of other practices are not the single magic wand for all problems and all industries.

Software development is no different and I use this as a short example or metaphor. There are approaches called Agile and there are more discipline approaches such as DO-178B. Agile programming practices could never be used in aircraft critical systems. Just the same, DO-178B, which is a very linear or iterative approach, would be a wasted effort for a video game development project (although one might wish for that level of disciple in Windows).

In the end I think that there will be varying levels of uses for Lean principles and one size will not fit all, but that is okay. Forward looking managers and leaders will cherry pick the items that work best for their production and that is still a win-win.