|
|
'Shortening the tail' - accelerating diffusion of proven innovations| Lead Investigator : John Bessant | Project Investigator: Richard Adams (until May 2007) and Philip Sowden (from May 2007) | Timescales: Project running until end 2008. | Project Outline:
Innovation is about creating new possibilities for the enterprise, for example through product/service offerings or process change. But there is significant scope for productivity improvement through the early adoption of innovations developed elsewhere, especially in the area of process innovation. This research looks at the question of adoption of process innovations with particular reference to the insights which diffusion theory can offer to help policy agents (national/regional government, business and sector associations, suplpy chain 'owners', etc.) accelerate the process. It is looking at a range of 'modes' through which diffusion can be accelerated, from 'laisser faire' through various levels of intervention including 'agent-assisted' and 'peer-assisted', in which firm-to-firm learning plays a key role in the process. Within these broad modes we are exploring the relative efficacy of different approaches with the aim of developing guidelines for policy and practice. | Proposed Methods: Case studies of the operation of 'learning networks' as a 'peer-assist' mode of accelerating diffusion. These include the Industry Forums in the UK, and regional development networks, supply chain networks and sector-based networks in the UK and South Africa. Case history of the Manufacturing Advisory Service - longitudinal (40 years) study brokering via a service has helped the diffusion process/enabled effective knowledge flows to SMEs. This work also explores the wide role and experience of innovation consultants as brokers. | Key Messages from Our Research so far… Diffusion of innovation is an important issue since slow or persistent non-adoption has a negative impact on extracting the value from knowledge investments at a sectoral or national level. The work suggests that using diffusion theory we can identify a number of different approaches to try and intervene and help in accelerating the process - rather that relying on a 'one size fits all' model of innovation. In particular there seems to be considerable value in approaches which enable and encourage peer-to-peer learning and development. | Future Plans | Member Profile | Links to other researchers | News and upcoming events | Outputs: Journal Contributions – Refereed Adams, R. and J Bessant (2008 forthcoming). Pollicy mechanisms to accelerate innovation adoption. Creating wealth from knowledge: Meeting the innovation challenge. J. Bessant and T. Venables. Cheltenham, Edward Elgar. Adams, R., R. Phelps and J. Bessant (2006). "Innovation management measurement: a review." International Journal of Management Reviews 8(1): 21-47 Bessant, J. (2006). Discovering new ways to play the innovation game. CPO Agenda. 2: 34-39. Bessant, J. (2006). Learning and continuous improvement. From knowledge management to strategic competence (2nd edition). J. Tidd. London, Imperial College Press Morris, M., J. Bessant and J. Barnes (2006). "Using learning networks to enable industrial development: Case studies from South Africa." International Journal of Operations and Production Management 26(5): 557-568. Phelps, R., R.J. Adams and UJ. Bessant (2007). "Models of organizational growth: a review with implications for knowledge and learning." International Journal of Management Reviews 9(1): 53-80.
Conference Contributions – Refereed Adams, R. (2005). An attributes perspective on innovation process. 12th International Product Development Management Conference, Copenhagen, Denmark, PDMA / Copenhagen Business School. Adams, R. (2005). Perceptions of innovations: exploring and developing innovation classification. Proceedings of the European Academy of Management Conference, Munich, Germany, Technical University Munich / EurAm. Bessant, J., M. MJorris and J. Barnes (2006). Creating innovation clusters - the view from below. Continuous innovation - making it happen. Proceedings of 6th CINet Conference, Brighton, UK.
Presentations Adams, R., R. Phelps and B.J. (2005). A review of the literature addressing the role of external knowledge and expertise at key stages of business growth and development. London, Department of Trade and Industry Bessant, J. (2006). Getting the tail to wag. 25/10/06. Cardiff, AIM. Bessant, J. (2006). Getting the tail to wag - Innovation in SMEs. Innovation and SMEs, Cardiff University, Advanced Institute of Management Research (AIM) Bessant, J. (2006). Meeting the innovation challenge. 11/12/06. Brisbane, Dept of Primary Industries: see list.
| Working/Work in Progress Papers |
|
|
