Innovation as a tool to survive the global recession is appearing increasingly often in the Journal ("Intel to Spend $7 Billion on U.S. Plants," Leading the News, Feb. 11; and "How to Drive Innovation in Europe," op-ed, Feb. 12). But there is a missing point.

A growing number of companies are investing substantial amounts of money in research and development, with the aim of driving efficiency, productivity and new technologies. It was only this month that you reported that Intel Corp. was asking other high-tech companies to invest in innovation.

Supporting innovative companies that need government help is all very well, but how are we going to restimulate the economy if all companies do not start pulling their weight?

Innovation can and should come from within. Organizations are missing a trick: They spend a lot of money on R&D but fail to consult those who really know their business. Consulting the entire employee base, from the shelf stackers to the CEO, and learning where economies and improvements can be made is a simple yet effective way to save money and innovate. To challenge failing business models, explore new strategies and develop better methods of execution, businesses need to consult the people who know the company the best -- its employees.

Mark Turrell