Typically the easiest path to 'invention' is discovering how things function in other similar contexts, whether by naturally occurring phenomenon or clever optimization, and cross applying it to another field.

There are endless opportunities to do so in software (ie, in the 1990-2000s in enterprise software all you had to do was take x data heavy process and add a CRM/ERP/CMS/etc style system). Same with "web 2.0" web apps for clunky desktop software, mobile apps for desktop web apps, "sharing economy", IOT, and recently with deep learning/ML.

Likewise in the industrial revolution, you could find any process involving lots of manual labour and add mechanize it with engines or electricity and plenty of metal/steel.