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Managing technical innovation: A systematic review of 11 leader functions

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  • Steele, Logan M.
  • Watts, Logan L.

Abstract

We take stock of 50 years of research on the management of technical innovation with a focus on identifying the actions that managers take when leading technical innovation. Through synthesizing both quantitative and qualitative studies, we categorize these actions into 11 leader functions and describe their relationships with technical innovation. We also develop a parsimonious framework to organize the widely varying criteria used to measure technical innovation, as well as the processes linking leader functions with these criteria. Finally, we offer recommendations for future research that follow from this framework.

Suggested Citation

  • Steele, Logan M. & Watts, Logan L., 2022. "Managing technical innovation: A systematic review of 11 leader functions," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 115(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:techno:v:115:y:2022:i:c:s0166497222000864
    DOI: 10.1016/j.technovation.2022.102539
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    1. Tao, Xiangming (Tommy) & Robson, Paul J.A. & Wang, Catherine L., 2023. "To learn or not to learn from new product development project failure: The roles of failure experience and error orientation," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 127(C).
    2. Cubric, Marija & Li, Feng, 2024. "Bridging the ‘Concept–Product’ gap in new product development: Emerging insights from the application of artificial intelligence in FinTech SMEs," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 134(C).

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