Apple was named as one of the Top 10 Most Innovative Companies in a new report released by Cheskin, a strategic consulting and research firm, and Fitch:Worldwide, an international brand and design firm. Surprisingly, Apple finished behind both Microsoft and Dell. “The study surveyed over 500 senior business executives across the U.S. in a wide range of industry sectors, asking them in-depth questions on their companies’ innovation practices, including specific approaches, level of authority and leadership, spending trends, success metrics and the influence of major industry trends.” The 35-page report, “Fast, Focused & Fertile: the Innovation Evolution,” is available for free online and can be downloaded from Cheskin or Fitch:Worldwide.