The article is divided into two parts: the first reviews the phenomenon of innovation at an individual level, in relation to the group and to organization; or rather, some of the antecedents for activating innovation processes in an organizational context. The second article (which will be published in a subsequent issue of the journal) will report an empirical study conducted on scholastic organizations while observing two specific variables (considered antecedents) which determine innovative work behaviour: conflict and organizational support.