Innovation Theater

Definitions

Performative activity that makes an organization look innovative without creating real product, technical, or organizational change. In tech this often refers to flashy demos, hackathon branding, or workshop rituals disconnected from execution.
In plain English: Activities that look creative and forward-thinking but do not produce real change.
Example: "The startup lab had all the branding of innovation, but none of the budget authority, so it became innovation theater."