Innovation as Leadership

"Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower. To turn really interesting ideas and fledgling technologies into a company that can continue to innovate for years, it requires a lot of discipline." 

This advice from Steve Jobs provides a key insight into the philosophy that drives a company like Apple. 

Apple's innovation in consumer technology has outpaced almost every other competitor in the marketplace. Remarkably, Apple's leadership has been accomplished by sheer performance. It is not known for its philanthropy, or for its political influence, or for its corporate sponsorships. Apple's solid reputation as a good corporate citizen emanates from  its ability to deliver what consumers want, even before they know it.

This form of social leadership through innovation seems to be a model that new technology companies are most comfortable in following.  The challenge for other companies, however, will be to remain as innovative as Apple in the long run.  Otherwise, they should be prepared to bolster their leadership through more recognized avenues of corporate citizenship.