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Cited by 102Innovation and Knowledge ManagementEntrepreneurship Studies and InfluencesInnovation Diffusion and Forecasting

Informal boundary-spanning communication in the innovation process: an empirical study

Conway, Steve·1995·Technology Analysis & Strategic Management
DOI 10.1080/09537329508524216
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Abstract

The sources of ideas embodied uithln successful technological innovation have been a subject of interest in many studies since the 1950s. This research suggests that sources external to the innovating organization account for between 34% and 65% of the inputs important to the development of successful innovation. In addition, studies have long highlighted personal boundary-spanning communication as an important mechanism for the transference of such ideas. Despite this recognition, there has been little systematic evaluation of the role and importance of informal boundary-spanning communication in the innovation process. This paper provides the results of an empirical study, of the role and source of infomally derived inputs into the development products of 35 commercially successful innovations. It was found that inormal mechanisms were often enlployad to transfer ideas and information, as well as other resources, during the idea-generation, ,problem-solving and field-testing phases of these innovation projects. Indeed, the research indicates that the mobilization of informal boundary-spanning contacts and networks my ofen be an important, and sometimes critival, factor in successful innovation.

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  • Effective integration of suppliers creates easier access to supplier knowledge and expertise in the longer term.

    “Create easier access to supplier knowledge and expertise in the longerterm (Conway, 1995).”

    From Networking and innovation: a systematic review of the evidence (2004) · cites this paper as Conway, 1995

  • Effective integration of suppliers leads to closer, more open supplier relationships.

    “Lead to closer more open supplier relationships (Conway, 1995).”

    From Networking and innovation: a systematic review of the evidence (2004) · cites this paper as Conway, 1995

  • Effective integration of suppliers assists with improvements in the overall design effort.

    “Assist with improvements in the overall design effort (Conway, 1995).”

    From Networking and innovation: a systematic review of the evidence (2004) · cites this paper as Conway, 1995

  • Conway (1995) found in his study of 35 successful innovations that customers were crucially important at the idea generation stage of the innovation process.

    “Conway (1995) also found in his study of 35 successful innovations that customers were crucially important at the idea generation stage of the innovation process.”

    From Networking and innovation: a systematic review of the evidence (2004) · cites this paper as Conway (1995)

  • Companies that stated they received essential information from customers were more successful with technological innovation and had greater commercial success.

    “Companies that stated they received essential information from customers were more successful with technological innovation and had greater commercial success.”

    From Networking and innovation: a systematic review of the evidence (2004) · cites this paper as Conway, 1995

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Authors
Conway, S.
Affiliations
Aston University (GB)
Corresponding author
Conway, Steve
Venue
Technology Analysis & Strategic Management
Publisher
Informa UK Limited
Published
1995-01
Volume
7
Issue
3
Pages
327-342
ISSN
  • 0953-7325 (ISSN-L)
  • 1465-3990
DOI
10.1080/09537329508524216
OpenAlex
W2129477983
Cited by
102
References
26
Citations by year
2024: 1 · 2022: 3 · 2021: 3 · 2020: 1 · 2019: 2 · 2017: 5 · 2016: 2 · 2015: 7 · 2014: 2 · 2013: 8 · 2012: 7
FWCI
7.12
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
Technology Analysis and Strategic Management (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Business, Management and Accounting › Strategy and Management › Innovation and Knowledge Management
  • Social Sciences › Business, Management and Accounting › Management of Technology and Innovation › Entrepreneurship Studies and Influences
  • Social Sciences › Decision Sciences › Management Science and Operations Research › Innovation Diffusion and Forecasting
Keywords
informal communication, technological innovation, idea generation, knowledge transfer, innovation networks, problem solving, field testing, innovation process

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