| Lead Investigator : David Probert |
Project Investigator: John Bessant (David Gann, Andy Neely) |
Timescales: April 2006 - March 2009 |
Project Outline: To define the nature of the challenge facing established businesses as they attempt to maintain a stream of product, process and service innovation. To establish the range of organisational routines and activities that firms are deploying in response to this challenge. To provide guidance to firms seeking to generate and/or maintain their breakthrough innovation capability.
|
Proposed Methods: Empirical case study research, utilising both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, will be undertaken within a range of firms currently operating throughout a variety of market sectors. Data collection wil be focused on the mechanisms employed and the routes pursued to create breakthrough innovation in each firm. Subsequent analysis using resource-based and evolutionary perspectives will develop preliminary findings on the phenomenon of best practice innovation management in established firms. Year 1: Case study selection across industry sectors, interview development and piloting, preliminary case studies. Year 2: In-depth case studies, analysis and survey development. Year 3: Action research engagement in selected firms, survey completion and validation of findings. |
Key Messages from Our Research so far… The recurrent abiity to achieve breakthrough innovation must be considered a strategic necessity in ensuring the sustainability of the firm. |
Future Plans Development and rollout of a survey to established firms in the aerospace, automotive, consumer electronics, petrochemicals and pharmaceuticals sectors (Autumn 2007). Organisation of an evening workshop series for firms in the Cambridgeshire area to hear about the research and learn how they can go about attempting breakthrough innovation (Spring 2008). |
Member Profile Dr Simon Ford is an AIM Research Fellow at the Centre for Technology Management, University of Cambridge, and is investigating how established firms achieve breakthrough innovation. Simon continues to work in Cambridge after completing his doctoral thesis "integrating Technological Obsolescence in Innovation Theory" in 2007. His research interests include innovation, obsolescence, co-evolution and complexity theory. |
Links to other researchers Centre for Technology Management http://www.ifm.eng.cam.ac.uk/ctm/ |
News and upcoming events On 20th September Simon Ford (Cambridge) and Linus Dahlander (Imperial) hosted a workshop at the 13th Cambridge Technology Management Symposium. Titled "Breakthrough Innovation in Established Firms", the workshop provided delegates with a range of approaches through which firms can pursue breakthrough innovation, stimulating much discussion around the subject. |
Outputs: Journal Contributions – Refereed Conference Contributions – Refereed |
Working/Work in Progress Papers |
