Theoretical lenses and domain definitions in innovation research
- 13 February 2009
- journal article
- Published by Emerald in European Journal of Marketing
- Vol. 43 (1/2), 229-263
- https://doi.org/10.1108/03090560910923319
Abstract
Purpose – This study aims to scrutinize the meaning and domain of “innovation” by providing an extensive theory-driven review of the new product literature in marketing, management and engineering. The overall objective is to classify the recent literature on innovation and to illustrate theoretically derived discourses in the study of innovation. Design/methodology/approach – The paper organizes this literature by providing typologies of discourses, which define innovation. Based on our review of 238 articles from a comprehensive set of journals publishing innovation research, we propose a theoretical divide in the innovation literature. Findings – Theoretical underpinnings, namely adoption/diffusion theory versus the resource-based/contingency theory view, form one dimension of the typology. Jointly considered with the other two dimensions – level of analysis and customer vs firm perspective – a framework is formed of the different discourses and conceptualisations in the innovation literature. Originality/value – Past researchers have always proposed a definition of innovation that was embedded in a typology of innovation types; in contrast, the paper allows the theoretical discourses to unveil meanings of innovation and associated constructs (and hence it starts with theory specification, not construct definition). It argues for starting with theory as the basic division and proposes a theory driven typology. Through its theoretical genesis, the paper wishes to create a shared understanding among academics and practitioners of what constitutes innovation and constructs within the related theoretical net.This publication has 309 references indexed in Scilit:
- New product performance: Keys to success, profitability & cycle time reductionJournal of Marketing Management, 1995
- Organizational culture and adoption of high‐technology productsJournal of Marketing Management, 1994
- Innovation diffusion: The emerging role of suppliers versus the traditional dominance of buyersJournal of Marketing Management, 1992
- The management of innovation in the financial services sector: A case studyJournal of Marketing Management, 1989
- How product innovators can foreclose the options of adaptive followersJournal of Marketing Management, 1989
- The theory and practice of user‐initiated innovationJournal of Marketing Management, 1988
- Re‐innovation and robust designs: Producer and user benefitsJournal of Marketing Management, 1988
- New product development strategies of suppliers of emerging technologies—a case study of expert systemsJournal of Marketing Management, 1988
- New service developmentJournal of Marketing Management, 1988
- Innovation and re‐innovation: A role for the userJournal of Marketing Management, 1986