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Episodic Innovation: R&D Strategies for Project-Based Environments

Author

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  • Virginia Acha
  • David Gann
  • Ammon Salter

Abstract

Many businesses organise activities as projects when they need to coordinate loose networks of individuals and firms in order to complete specific, discrete tasks. Some use research and development (R&D) and technical support functions for problem-solving on projects. Yet firms working in this mode rarely have the opportunity to translate lessons from projects into organisational capabilities. This paper explores R&D strategies adopted by project-based firms, drawing on data collected in four case studies of engineering consultancies. It focuses on the development of organisational memory and capability through creation of meta-routines. In doing so, we assess the impact of choices made in organising R&D on learning and capability development. We argue that new models of decentralised R&D are required for project-based environments that combine flexibility and integration with a long-term strategic perspective.

Suggested Citation

  • Virginia Acha & David Gann & Ammon Salter, 2005. "Episodic Innovation: R&D Strategies for Project-Based Environments," Industry and Innovation, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 12(2), pages 255-281.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:indinn:v:12:y:2005:i:2:p:255-281
    DOI: 10.1080/13662710500087990
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Mark Lorenzen & Lars Frederiksen, 2005. "On the Economics of Innovation Projects Product Experimentation in the Music Industry," DRUID Working Papers 05-23, DRUID, Copenhagen Business School, Department of Industrial Economics and Strategy/Aalborg University, Department of Business Studies.
    2. Vang, Jan, 2005. "Rethinking the Spatial Organization of Creative Industries," Papers in Innovation Studies 2005/10, Lund University, CIRCLE - Centre for Innovation Research.
    3. Carolina Castaldi & Jan Faber & Maikel Kishna, 2010. "Co-innovation by KIBS in Environmental Services: A Resource-based View," Working Papers 10-05, Eindhoven Center for Innovation Studies, revised Mar 2010.
    4. Yao-Jen Fan & Shuo-Fang Liu & Ding-Bang Luh & Pei-Shan Teng, 2021. "Corporate Sustainability: Impact Factors on Organizational Innovation in the Industrial Area," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-24, February.
    5. Lu Lin Zhou & James Onuche Ayegba & Emmanuel Onu Ayegba & Peace Maina Ayegba & Zhang Xin Jie, 2021. "Impact of dynamic capacities on the performance of food and beverage enterprises in Lagos, Nigeria," Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Springer, vol. 10(1), pages 1-24, December.

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