Apple leads innovators

For the fifth year in a row, Apple has achieved the top spot in BusinessWeek's list of "The 25 Most Innovative Companies." The report was created in conjunction with Boston Consulting Group. Companies filling the other top-five spots include Google, Toyota, Microsoft and Nintendo. Several competitors hold lower positions, including IBM, HP, RIM, Nokia, Sony and Samsung.

Despite Apple's leading position, BCG noted that the company received 33-percent fewer votes than last year. "Their products are improvements on previous technology," explained one respondent. "Their execution is flawless, but they are not necessarily innovative."

Google saw a similar drop in votes, losing 31-percent from last year but still holding the second position. "Resting on past glory (search)," noted a respondent, expressing similar criticism. "Spending a lot on new things but no new breakthroughs."

BCG compiled the list based on results from surveys that asked executives which companies consistently offer inventive products, customer experiences, business models or processes. The financial performance of the corporations was also factored into the results.

by MacNN Staff