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Item type:Publication, Access status: with files , Generating innovations through analogies : an empirical investigation of knowledge brokersIn this paper we explore how knowledge brokers – specialised design and engineering companies offering services to clients in diverse industries – use analogies for product development. Our research is based on interviews with project leaders of 13 knowledge brokering companies. The interviews focused on product development projects in which analogies were used. First, we categorize these cases according to the motivation to use analogies (efficiency vs. innovativeness). Second, we describe and analyse the process of using analogies. Our results show that analogies are frequently and very pragmatically applied throughout the whole development process. We also found that individual characteristics of the persons participating in such projects are the crucial factor that influences the outcome of the project.Publicationtype: Working Paper577 968 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Access status: with files , The process of user-innovation: a case study on user innovation in a consumer goods settingManufacturers usually benefit by dividing their innovation processes into distinct phases in order to ensure that the development activities are performed efficiently in an appropriate sequence. Users usually do not apply such structured processes. They follow a more intuition-driven approach. In this paper we analyze the way users improve or develop novel products. The field of our research is a new and rapidly evolving consumer market, the sport of kite surfing. We identified a sequence that underlies the approaches of user inventors. This sequence consists of two major stages, (1) idea generation and (2) idea realization, each again subdivided. We propose that a manufacturer in the relevant product field can significantly profit from more closely observing such user activities: • Better understanding of tacit needs which cannot be derived by applying classical market research methods. • Learn about the adequacy of solutions from the user. This may guide their development activities and prevent development of inadequate solutions. • Collect user ideas as well as corresponding solution knowledge at very low tariffs and increase reputation as a customer-close organization.Publicationtype: Working Paper704 684 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Access status: with files , How to use analogies for breakthrough innovationsAnalogies can trigger breakthrough ideas in new product development. Numerous examples demonstrate that substantial innovations often result from transferring problem solutions from one industry or domain to another. For instance, the designers of the new running shoe generation of Nike, “Nike SHOX”, use the same suspension concept like the technologies applied for Formula 1 racing cars, or the biological Lotus-effect led to the development of various self-cleaning surfaces. Academic research on analogical thinking has been so far heavily influenced by general theoretical work from cognitive psychology or systematic inventing. Only a small number of studies have investigated the application of analogies in the specific context of breakthrough innovation projects. This paper focuses on the question how analogies can be systematically used in the early innovation phases of new product development and which factors influence the successful use of analogical thinking in innovating companies. Special attention is paid to organizational facilitators and the requests on people involved in this process.Publicationtype: Technical Report880 958 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Access status: with files , Fortschrittliche Kunden zu radikalen Innovationen stimulieren“Close orientation with the market is essential for innovation success!” Although both academics and market research practitioners would generally agree with this statement, alignment with the needs of the customer often results in conservative innovation strategies. Due to their focus on what is currently on offer in the marketplace, customers primarily demand small, step-wise developments - so-called incremental innovations. This dilemma can be overcome through with the help of particularly advanced customers (Lead Users). The Lead User method aids companies in capitalizing on the innovative potential of these highly qualified customers. A case study with the German firm, Johnson & Johnson Medical GmbH, demonstrated that Breakthrough Innovations are achievable this way.Publicationtype: Working Paper1070 427 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Access status: with files , Innovation search fields with Lead Users“Close orientation with the market is essential for innovation success!” Although both academics and market research practitioners would generally agree with this statement, alignment with the needs of the customer often results in conservative innovation strategies. Due to their focus on what is currently on offer in the marketplace, customers primarily demand small, step-wise developments - so-called incremental innovations. This dilemma can be overcome through with the help of particularly advanced customers (Lead Users). The Lead User method aids companies in capitalizing on the innovative potential of these highly qualified customers. A case study with the German firm, Johnson & Johnson Medical GmbH, demonstrated that Breakthrough Innovations are achievable this way.Publicationtype: Working Paper604 580 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Access status: with files , Characteristics of innovating users in a consumer goods field - An empirical study of sport-related product consumers(2000)We report on a survey of the innovation activities and characteristics of 153 users of outdoor-related consumer products. We find a high level of innovation by these consumers. Thirty-seven percent report that they have developed ideas for new or improved products, and more than 9% report building product prototypes or even marketable products. We also find that innovating users can be reliably distinguished from non-innovating ones by characteristics such as the benefit they expect from using their innovations and the level of expertise they have in their sport. Taken together, these two findings - frequent innovation by consumers and the possibility to identify efficiently those who innovate – imply that innovation by users can be an important source of new product ideas for consumer goods companies. Effective utilization of this resource will require significant changes in idea generation methodologies for many consumer good firms.Publicationtype: Working Paper964 679 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Access status: with files , Innovationsmanagement in kleinen und mittleren UnternehmenSince studies on innovation management mainly focus on large companies, empirical findings predominately support the idea of standardized innovation projects which are based on an extensive use of management methods and tools. This explorative study examines whether these findings can be applied to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). Therefore, the use of innovation management methods and tools and main strengths/weaknesses of innovation projects in SMEs are explored. The key finding of this study is the low level of standardization and formalization during innovation projects in SMEs. Methods and tools for the management of innovation are rarely applied. This is especially true for the front end of innovation. In addition, shortcomings in the front end proved to be a negative impact on innovation management in the subsequent stages of the project.Publicationtype: Working Paper1411 713