A study of innovators' experience of new product innovation in organisations

Author: Cooper, Paul

Source: R&D Management, Volume 35, Number 5, November 2005 , pp. 525-533(9)

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Abstract:

The present research uses conversations with new product innovators in commercial organisations to explore how they experience innovating in those organisations. Based on their words, the study explores how innovators experience the complex social settings and structures of their organisation, how this affects creativity, and how innovative climates are enabled or inhibited by it. Organic, self-organising working structures are shown to enable creative commercial innovation more easily than hierarchical settings. Innovators' own words also identify what motivates them. `Excitement' and `creative buzz' are shown to be common intrinsic motivators and `tangible benefit' for organisation or customers is shown to reinforce this. Innovators' experience of networks is also studied, along with their experiences of leadership in organisations. While this study is exploratory in scope, it is hoped that it will be of value in organisations looking to build effective partnerships with their innovators.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9310.2005.00409.x

Affiliations: 1: Aktiv Consulting, 26 Pocklington Cresent, Winthorpe, Newark, Notts, NG 24 2PG, UK , Email: paul.cooper@aktiv.org.uk

Publication date: 2005-11-01