I agree with previous posts about funding being the key driving force to support change and innovation. I would like to add in the timing factor and market condition.
A lot of time, a deadline is a strong driving force to find the best and most effective way to execute tasks. Change/innovations can thrive in the right market condition.Innovation culture is easiest to maintain is when market conditions are too much fear or too much confidence.
But overall, the important aspects that drive innovation is the open-minded individual, good team effort and, organizational culture.
Before having an external push for innovation, a smart leader can drive the innovations in the organization by putting money aside to encourage experimentation when the market is down, and requires innovative output when things are running really well.