These days almost every company worth its balance sheet insists that it invests in ”innovation.” But does it make or lose money on these investments? That is the question that James Andrew and Harold Sirkin tackle in their new book titled Payback: Reaping the Rewards of Innovation. According to the authors who are senior vice presidents and directors of The Boston Consulting Group a new idea is just an invention -- and not a true innovation -- unless it generates financial returns. In an interview with Knowledge at Wharton Sirkin discusses the challenges companies face as they seek to innovate and -- hopefully -- make a few bucks along the way.