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Innovation Tool Adoption And Adaptation In Small Technology-Based Firms

Author

Listed:
  • GERRIT A. DE WAAL

    (Swinburne University of Technology, PO Box 218, Victoria 3122, Australia)

  • PAUL KNOTT

    (University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand)

Abstract

In this paper, we present a qualitative, interview-based study of the processes small technology-based firms go through when they adopt tools and adapt them for use. By extracting 59 instances of tool internalisation across five firms, we derived a coding scheme combining existing and emergent forms of tool bricolage. The four types are reconstruction, reinterpretation, evolution, and customisation. We articulate examples of each type. Our findings reinforce the variability of any given tool once enacted in practice, contrary to implied expectations in some innovation tools literature that tool application is a straightforward mechanical process. In the small firms in our study, we found reinterpretation is the most prevalent form of tool adaptation. This type of tool use is prone to being superficial and failing to gain the benefits available from a more carefully customised or reconstructed tool. We also report on the different ways in which practitioners gain awareness of new tools.

Suggested Citation

  • Gerrit A. De Waal & Paul Knott, 2013. "Innovation Tool Adoption And Adaptation In Small Technology-Based Firms," International Journal of Innovation Management (ijim), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 17(03), pages 1-19.
    • Handle: RePEc:wsi:ijimxx:v:17:y:2013:i:03:n:s1363919613400124
    DOI: 10.1142/S1363919613400124
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Gerrit Anton De Waal & Paul Knott, 2019. "Npd Tools, Thoroughness And Performance In Small Firms," International Journal of Innovation Management (ijim), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 23(06), pages 1-26, August.
    2. Gerrit A. De Waal, 2016. "An Extended Conceptual Framework For Product-Market Innovation," International Journal of Innovation Management (ijim), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 20(05), pages 1-26, June.
    3. Jose Albors-Garrigos & Juan Ignacio Igartua & Angel Peiro, 2018. "Innovation Management Techniques And Tools: Its Impact On Firm Innovation Performance," International Journal of Innovation Management (ijim), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 22(06), pages 1-31, August.
    4. Jia, Junbo & Xu, Yusen & Li, Wenli, 2024. "A study on the strategic momentum of SMEs’ digital transformation: Evidence from China," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 200(C).
    5. Lager, Thomas, 2017. "A conceptual framework for platform-based design of non-assembled products," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 68(C), pages 20-34.

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