Modes of innovation in six industrial sectors

Author

Miller, Roger ; Blais, Roger A.

Author_Institution

SECOR Inc., Montreal, Que., Canada

Volume

40

Issue

3

fYear

1993

fDate

8/1/1993 12:00:00 AM

Firstpage

264

Lastpage

273

Abstract

Patterns of innovation in 43 firms selected from six industrial sectors in Canada are examined. The sectors are pharmaceuticals, financial services, software services, pulp and paper, metallic products, and apparel. Modes of innovations are found to be differentiated and sector specific. Most firms are innovative in predictable ways, according to the logic of innovation prevailing in their industrial environment. A few firms, however, seem to use modes of innovation copied from other industries. In addition to industrial context, modes of innovation are influenced primarily by the firms´ competencies, business opportunities, and managerial preferences. A taxonomy of modes of innovation extending beyond industrial lines is presented. Four configurations emerged from the data analysis: science-based product innovation, entrepreneurial fast-track experimentation, global cost leadership, and conventional reliance on information technology and process adaptation

Keywords

DP industry; finance; management; metallurgical industries; paper industry; textile industry; Canada; apparel; business opportunities; entrepreneurial fast-track experimentation; financial services; global cost leadership; industrial sectors; information technology; innovation; managerial preferences; metallic products; pharmaceuticals; process adaptation; pulp and paper; science-based product innovation; software services; Business; Costs; Innovation management; Logic; Manufacturing industries; Marketing and sales; Pharmaceutical technology; Taxonomy; Technological innovation; Technology management;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Engineering Management, IEEE Transactions on

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

0018-9391

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/17.233187

Filename

233187