The DOI matches its Crossref record; 26 of the 26 references it cites were found in a registry or an index.
Informal boundary-spanning communication in the innovation process: an empirical study
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.
Overview
Integrity signals
Registry
Cites
Statistics
Verification
Claims the paper makes
Claims other papers make about this one
Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?
In the citing paper
“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
In the citing paper
“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
In the citing paper
“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
In the citing paper
“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)
In the citing paper
“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
Citations
Cites
Armstrong, J. S., & Georgoff, D. M. (1988) · International Journal of Forecasting · doi:10.1016/0169-2070(88)90019-2 · Cited by 18,339
The strategic analysis of intangible resources
Hall, R. (1992) · Strategic Management Journal · doi:10.1002/smj.4250130205 · Cited by 2,541
Collaborate with your competitors and win
Hamel, G. (1989) · Harvard business review · Cited by 2,104
Networks of innovators: A synthesis of research issues
Freeman, C. T. (1991) · Research Policy · doi:10.1016/0048-7333(91)90072-x · Cited by 1,792
The dominant role of users in the scientific instrument innovation process
von Hippel, E. (1976) · Research Policy · doi:10.1016/0048-7333(76)90028-7 · Cited by 1,016
Friends of Friends: Networks, Manipulators and Coalitions
Cohen, A. P., & Boissevain, J. (1977) · Man · doi:10.2307/2800815 · Cited by 931
Kanter, R. M. (1972) · Harvard University Press eBooks · doi:10.2307/j.ctv134vmpm · Cited by 906
The dominant role of users in the scientific instrument innovation process
von Hippel, E. (1993) · Research Policy · doi:10.1016/0048-7333(93)90044-i · Cited by 879
Cooperation between Rivals: Informal Know-How Trading
von Hippel, E. (1989) · Studies in industrial organization · doi:10.1007/978-94-009-1075-1_7 · Cited by 795
How Rapidly Does New Industrial Technology Leak Out?
Mansfield, E. (1985) · Journal of Industrial Economics · doi:10.2307/2098683 · Cited by 727
Research works printed but not linked: 27
- Baker N., 1985, Reseanh .Management, 28, 35
- Myers S., 1969, Successful Commercial Innovations
- Freeman C., 1991, Research Policy, 20, 503
- 1991, Research Policy, 20, 500
- Menzel H., 1962, The Sociology of Science, 417
- 1967, Communication Systems and Resources in the Behaoioural Sciences
- McLaughlin C., 1965, Technology Transjir and the Flow of Technical Information in a Large Industrial Croup
- Wolek, 1965, op cit, 239
- Schrader, 1989, op cit, 18
- Hippel, 1989, op cit, 18, 302
- Carter, 1989, op cit, 18, 162
- Uehara, 1974, op cit, 527
- Mitchell, 1974, op cit, 40
- Scimitar H., 1992, Taped interview
- Allen, 1992, op cit, 201
- Hall R., 1992, Shtegic Management Journal, 13, 135
- Carter, 1985, op cit, 34, 158
- Rogers E., 1982, The Transfer and Unitilization of Technical Knowledge, 105
- Schrader, 1982, op cit
- Schrader, 1989, op cit, 67
- Lawton-Smith, 1989, op cit, 67, 468
- Allen T., 1977, Managing the Flote of Technology: Technology Transfer and the Dissmination of Technological Information within the R&D Organization
- 1977, Ibid, 161
- Carter, 1977, op cit, 155
- 1977, op cit, 24
- Allen, 1977, op cit, 208
- 1977, op cit, 420
Cited by
Sorted by citations
Networking and innovation: a systematic review of the evidence
Pittaway, L., Robertson, M., Munir, K., Denyer, D., & Neely, A. (2004) · International Journal of Management Reviews · doi:10.1111/j.1460-8545.2004.00101.x · Cited by 1,747
Towards a Theory of Open Innovation: Three Core Process Archetypes
Gassmann, O., & Enkel, E. (2004) · Alexandria (UniSG) (University of St.Gallen) · Cited by 1,076
Knowledge management and innovation: networks and networking
Swan, J. A., Newell, S., Scarbrough, H., & Hislop, D. W. (1999) · Journal of Knowledge Management · doi:10.1108/13673279910304014 · Cited by 845
Knowledge management, HRM and the innovation process
Scarbrough, H. (2003) · International Journal of Manpower · doi:10.1108/01437720310491053 · Cited by 440
Consumers as Co-developers: Learning and Innovation Outside the Firm
Jeppesen, L., & Molin, M. J. (2003) · Technology Analysis & Strategic Management · doi:10.1080/09537320310001601531 · Cited by 478
Trust and inter-organizational networking
Newell, S., & Swan, J. A. (2000) · Human Relations · doi:10.1177/a014106 · Cited by 426
External Sources of Knowledge, Governance Mode, and R&D Performance
Fey, C., & Birkinshaw, J. (2005) · Journal of Management · doi:10.1177/0149206304272346 · Cited by 466
Tuggle, C. S., Schnatterly, K. A., & Johnson, R. A. (2010) · Academy of Management Journal · doi:10.5465/amj.2010.51468687 · Cited by 396
Managing the Risk of Customer Integration
Enkel, E., Kausch, C., & Gassmann, O. (2005) · European Management Journal · doi:10.1016/j.emj.2005.02.005 · Cited by 269
Kimble, C., Grenier, C., & Goglio‐Primard, K. (2010) · International Journal of Information Management · doi:10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2010.02.002 · Cited by 267
Dokko, G., & Rosenkopf, L. (2009) · Organization Science · doi:10.1287/orsc.1090.0470 · Cited by 239
The politics of networked innovation
Swan, J. A., & Scarbrough, H. (2005) · Human Relations · doi:10.1177/0018726705057811 · Cited by 243
OPEN INNOVATION PRACTICES AND THEIR EFFECT ON INNOVATION PERFORMANCE
Ebersberger, B., Bloch, C. W., Herstad, S. J., & de Velde, E. V. (2012) · International Journal of Innovation and Technology Management · doi:10.1142/s021987701250040x · Cited by 164
Walking the Walk: Portraits in Leadership for Family Engagement in Urban Schools
Auerbach, S. (2009) · John Spoor Broome Library Institutional Repository (California State University) · Cited by 164
Breakthrough innovations and where to find them
Capponi, G., Martinelli, A., & Nuvolari, A. (2021) · Research Policy · doi:10.1016/j.respol.2021.104376 · Cited by 145
Does spatial proximity to customers matter for innovative performance?
Weterings, A., & Boschma, R. A. (2009) · Research Policy · doi:10.1016/j.respol.2008.12.011 · Cited by 117
Corsaro, D., RAMOS, C. S. D. M., Henneberg, S. C. M., & Naudé, P. (2012) · Industrial Marketing Management · doi:10.1016/j.indmarman.2011.11.017 · Cited by 121
Building Constructive Innovation Networks: Role of Relationship Management
Keast, R. L., & Hampson, K. D. (2007) · Journal of Construction Engineering and Management · doi:10.1061/(asce)0733-9364(2007)133:5(364 · Cited by 80
Product Innovation and the Complementarities of External Interfaces
Ebersberger, B., & Herstad, S. J. (2011) · European Management Review · doi:10.1111/j.1740-4762.2011.01014.x · Cited by 79
Boundary Dynamics: Implications for Building Parent-School Partnerships
Price-Mitchell, M. (2009) · The School community journal/School community journal · Cited by 78
Global network configuration for innovation: a study of international fibre innovation
Perks, H., & Jeffery, R. (2006) · R and D Management · doi:10.1111/j.1467-9310.2005.00416.x · Cited by 76
Ryu, D., Baek, K. H., & Yoon, J. (2021) · Sustainability · doi:10.3390/su13063418 · Cited by 100
Holmes, S., & Moir, L. (2007) · Corporate Governance · doi:10.1108/14720700710820498 · Cited by 72
Eggers, F., Kraus, S., & Covin, J. (2014) · Industrial Marketing Management · doi:10.1016/j.indmarman.2014.08.006 · Cited by 67
Task partitioning in new product development teams: A knowledge and learning perspective
Chen, S. H. (2005) · Journal of Engineering and Technology Management · doi:10.1016/j.jengtecman.2005.09.003 · Cited by 63
Open innovation and globalisation: Theory, evidence and implications
Herstad, S. J., Bloch, C. W., & Ebersberger, B. (2008) · Cited by 59
Newell, S., Swan, J. A., & Robertson, M. (1998) · The Journal of Strategic Information Systems · doi:10.1016/s0963-8687(98)00033-x · Cited by 52
Systemic knowledge processes, innovation and sustainable competitive advantages
Johannessen, J., & Olsen, B. (2009) · Kybernetes · doi:10.1108/03684920910944795 · Cited by 48
Knowledge transfer effectiveness of university‐industry alliances
Lakpetch, P., & Lorsuwannarat, T. (2012) · International journal of organizational analysis · doi:10.1108/19348831211227819 · Cited by 42
Creating a climate for inter-organizational networking through people management
Jolink, M., & Dankbaar, B. (2010) · The International Journal of Human Resource Management · doi:10.1080/09585192.2010.488445 · Cited by 42
Measuring Intellectual Capital
Bischoff, S., Vladova, G., & Jeschke, S. (2011) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-642-24503-9_34 · Cited by 41
Idea selection and adoption by users – a process model in an online innovation community
Wang, N., Tiberius, V., Chen, X., Brem, A., & Yu, F. (2020) · Technology Analysis and Strategic Management · doi:10.1080/09537325.2020.1863055 · Cited by 31
Entrepreneurial social capital and cognitive model of innovation
Xu, Y. (2011) · Management Research Review · doi:10.1108/01409171111152510 · Cited by 28
Exploiting the dynamic links between competitive and technology strategies
Zahra, S. A., Sisodia, R., & Matherne, B. P. (1999) · European Management Journal · doi:10.1016/s0263-2373(98)00078-4 · Cited by 28
Out of control: personal networks in European collaboration
Macdonald, S., & Piekkari, R. (2005) · R and D Management · doi:10.1111/j.1467-9310.2005.00400.x · Cited by 28
Hasu, M. (2001) · Työväentutkimus Vuosikirja · Cited by 28
Roseira, C., Brito, C., & Henneberg, S. C. M. (2010) · RePEc: Research Papers in Economics · Cited by 27
The Role of Inquiry-Based Learning in Entrepreneurship Education
Pittaway, L. (2009) · Industry and Higher Education · doi:10.5367/000000009788640251 · Cited by 25
Roh, T., Park, B. I., & Xiao, S. S. (2022) · Journal of Innovation & Knowledge · doi:10.1016/j.jik.2022.100274 · Cited by 24
The influence of supply network structure on firm’s multiple innovation capabilities
Delbufalo, E. (2015) · Management Decision · doi:10.1108/md-07-2014-0431 · Cited by 22
Innovation adoption by established firms: Unresolved issues
Boeker, W., & Huo, Y. (1998) · The Journal of High Technology Management Research · doi:10.1016/1047-8310(88)90008-9 · Cited by 19
Andersen, M. M. (2002) · Eco-efficiency in industry and science · doi:10.1007/978-94-017-2545-3_6 · Cited by 17
Profiting from innovation: Evidence from a survey of Queen's Awards winners
Capponi, G., Criscuolo, P., Martinelli, A., & Nuvolari, A. (2019) · Structural Change and Economic Dynamics · doi:10.1016/j.strueco.2019.02.002 · Cited by 16
Linking External Knowledge Search to Innovation Ambidexterity in SMEs
Ryu, D., Baek, K. H., & Yoon, J. (2022) · Science Technology and Society · doi:10.1177/09717218221074905 · Cited by 15
Is small really beautiful? A review of the concept of niches in innovation
Coles, A., Piterou, A., & Sentić, A. (2017) · Technology Analysis and Strategic Management · doi:10.1080/09537325.2017.1408907 · Cited by 15
E-business, innovation and SMEs: the significance of hosted services and firm aggregations
Brown, D. H., & Lockett, N. J. (2007) · International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management · doi:10.1504/ijeim.2007.012175 · Cited by 14
Neue Ideenquellen erschließen — Die Chancen von Open Innovation
Enkel, E., & Gassmann, O. (2009) · Marketing Review St Gallen · doi:10.1007/s11621-009-0025-6 · Cited by 13
Social network influences on integrated reporting adoption and implementation – a UK perspective
Robertson, F. A. (2021) · Journal of Global Responsibility · doi:10.1108/jgr-08-2020-0080 · Cited by 11
Assessing organizational innovativeness – evidence from corporate narratives
Ackermann, M., Stephan, M., & Penrose, J. M. (2015) · Corporate Communications An International Journal · doi:10.1108/ccij-04-2014-0026 · Cited by 11
A dynamic model of strategic change in growth-oriented firms
Pitt, M. (2005) · Strategic Change · doi:10.1002/jsc.721 · Cited by 11
Configuration and the capability of firms to innovate: a theoretical framework
Delbufalo, E., & Cerruti, C. (2012) · Cineca Institutional Research Information System (Tor Vergata University) · Cited by 10
Knowledge Sharing in an Open Innovation Collaboration
Rodríguez, A. (2015) · Cited by 10
Noke, H., Mosey, S., & Vere, K. (2024) · The Journal of Technology Transfer · doi:10.1007/s10961-024-10072-y · Cited by 9
Small firm capabilities for competitiveness : an empirical study of ICT related small Swedish firms
Parida, V. (2008) · KTH Publication Database DiVA (KTH Royal Institute of Technology) · Cited by 9
(Failing to) create eco-innovation networks: The Nordic Climate Cluster
Sarasini, S. (2015) · Technology Analysis and Strategic Management · doi:10.1080/09537325.2014.983894 · Cited by 8
The communication of innovation: an empirical analysis of the advancement of innovationPreprint
Ackermann, M. (2013) · RePEc: Research Papers in Economics · Cited by 7
Milking the myth: innovation funding in theory and practice
Macdonald, S. (2016) · R and D Management · doi:10.1111/radm.12212 · Cited by 7
Yoon, B., & Jeong, Y. (2015) · Science Technology and Society · doi:10.1177/0971721815579810 · Cited by 7
Mazzarol, T. W., Malone, P., & Reboud, S. (2017) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-319-49542-2_10 · Cited by 6
Enterprise, D.-G. F., & Ebersberger, B. (2011) · Cited by 6
Gammelgaard, J. (2003) · CBS Research Portal (Copenhagen Business School) · Cited by 6
Ahmed, A. A., AlZgool, M., Abro, Z., Ahmed, U., & Memon, U. (2019) · Humanities & Social Sciences Reviews · doi:10.18510/hssr.2019.75144 · Cited by 5
AIDS communication campaigns in Uganda
Kiwanuka‐Tondo, J., Albada, K. F., Waters, R. D., Jameson, J. K., & Hamilton, M. A. (2013) · Journal of Communication Management · doi:10.1108/13632541311300124 · Cited by 5
Idea Management: The Importance of Ideas to Design Business Success
Chinneck, C., & Bolton, S. (2013) · Lecture notes in mechanical engineering · doi:10.1007/978-81-322-1050-4_67 · Cited by 5
Frames of significance: technological agenda-forming for strategic advantage
Pitt, M., & Clarke, K. (1997) · Technology Analysis and Strategic Management · doi:10.1080/09537329708524283 · Cited by 5
Measuring Intellectual Capital
Bischoff, S., Vladova, G., & Jeschke, S. (2012) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-642-33389-7_2 · Cited by 4
Eine Kultur der Innovation: Die Bedeutung von Innovationsnetzwerken
Fieseler, C., Hoffmann, C. P., & Meckel, M. (2015) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-658-07167-7_18 · Cited by 4
Boukamel, O. (2017) · Politiques et management public · doi:10.3166/pmp.34.2017.0010 · Cited by 4
Collaborative Research and Development: New Insights from Cyclic Models of the Innovation Process
Steen, J. T., Hanson, D. J., & Liesch, P. W. (1998) · International Journal of Innovation Management · doi:10.1142/s1363919698000055 · Cited by 4
Wissensmanagement im Innovationsprozess
Gronau, N., & Vladova, G. (2012) · Gabler Verlag eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-8349-7105-0_6 · Cited by 4
Conway, S. (2015) · Wiley Encyclopedia of Management · doi:10.1002/9781118785317.weom100230 · Cited by 4
Self-citationFostering innovation across aerospace supplier networks
Kirtley, A. L. (2002) · DSpace@MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) · Cited by 4
Power of ideas in shaping and delivering design business success
Bolton, S., & Chinneck, C. (2013) · IEEE Tsinghua International Design Management Symposium (TIDMS) · doi:10.1109/tidms.2013.6981235 · Cited by 3
Frühe aktive Kundenintegration in den Innovationsprozess
Wecht, C. H. (2005) · Cited by 3
Social Capital, Cognitions, and Firm Innovation: Theoretical Model and Empirical Studies
Xu, Y. (2006) · VTechWorks (Virginia Tech) · Cited by 3
Business-to-business networking and its impact on innovation: exploring the UK evidence
Pittaway, L., & Robertson, M. (2004) · Lancaster EPrints (Lancaster University) · Cited by 3
Evaluation Methodology: Measurement of Drivers of Business Success and Failure
Bewley, H., Forth, J., & Robinson, C. (2010) · City Research Online (City University London) · Cited by 3
Coordination and price competition in duopoly distribution channels
Sinha, S., & Sarmah, S. P. (2009) · International Journal of Integrated Supply Management · doi:10.1504/ijism.2009.029357 · Cited by 2
The evolution of Innovation: A lexical perspective
Ackermann, M. (2013) · Cited by 2
Parida, V., & Westerberg, M. (2009) · Edward Elgar Publishing eBooks · doi:10.4337/9781849802369.00022 · Cited by 2
Cooperation with External Agents and Non-technological Innovations
Sánchez-González, G. (2014) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-319-03134-7_10 · Cited by 4
Learning in Innovative Consumer Communities
Jeppesen, L., & Molin, M. J. (2004) · Gabler Verlag eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-322-84540-5_8 · Cited by 2
Sarif, S. M. (2009) · Murdoch University Research Portal · Cited by 2
Sajib, S., & Agarwal, R. (2013) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-81-322-0746-7_12 · Cited by 1
Informal knowledge flows in open innovation : both a blessing and a curse?
Vladova, G., & Adelhelm, S. (2009) · publish.UP (University of Potsdam) · Cited by 1
Sarti, D. (2017) · Emerald Group Publishing Limited eBooks · doi:10.1108/978-1-78714-501-620171016 · Cited by 1
Über die Messung von Intellektuellem Kapital
Bischoff, S., Vladova, G., & Jeschke, S. (2011) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-642-24299-1_34
Ismail, Y., & Sarif, S. M. (2011) · Advances in knowledge acquisition, transfer, and management book series/Advances in knowledge acquisition, transfer and management book series · doi:10.4018/978-1-61350-089-7.ch010
El desarrollo de nuevos productos a través de la colaboración de la empresa con otras organizaciones
Alemán, J. L. M., & Pemartín, M. (2007) · Dialnet (Universidad de la Rioja)
Staar, H., Janneck, M., Metzger, F., Berwing, S., & Armbrüster, T. (2013) · International Journal of Sociotechnology and Knowledge Development (IJSKD) · doi:10.4018/ijskd.2013070103 · Cited by 3
Reports from the Twelfth International Neuropsychoanalysis Congress
Hug, E., & Lunt, A. (2011) · Neuropsychoanalysis · doi:10.1080/15294145.2011.10773680
Open innovation in the polymer industry
Markhorst, F. F. (2009) · TU/e Research Portal
The Potential for Sustainable Production and Consumption in a Technological Society
Coles, A. (2016) · The anthropocene: Politik - economics - society - science · doi:10.1007/978-3-319-29665-4_8
The Role Of Organizational Boundary Spanners In Industry/ University Collaborative Relationships.
Tarant, S. A. (2004) · NCSU Libraries Repository (North Carolina State University Libraries)
Pryke, S. D. (2017) · doi:10.1002/9781118929896.refs
DATA SCIENCE-BASED TREND ANALYSIS IN RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OF TURBOMACHINERY
Zieße, M., & Seume, J. R. (2022) · Proceedings · doi:10.33737/gpps21-tc-286
松尾, 睦., 楠見, 孝., & 吉野, 有. (2000) · Quarterly Journal of Marketing · doi:10.7222/marketing.2000.003
Metadata
- 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
- 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
About these checks
Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.
Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.
Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.
What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›
Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review