As technologists, we are obsessed with the future. What will it look like? How can I shape it? How can I predict it?
Actual innovation, however, is not always needed. Re-use, or understanding what we can learn from the past and re-apply, is usually a better and easier choice.
True innovation mainly comes by applying existing techniques in different or potentially unique situations. You can often find a quick-win, simply by thinking laterally.
Just say to yourself: “How could I use this thing in another context?”