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Critical Success Factors In The Front End Of Innovation: Results From An Empirical Study

Author

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  • SIMON WAGNER

    (Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Chair of Technology Management, Nuremberg, Germany)

  • PETER M. BICAN

    (Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Chair of Technology Management, Nuremberg, Germany)

  • ALEXANDER BREM

    (#x2020;University of Stuttgart, Institute of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Science, Stuttgart, Germany‡University of Southern Denmark, Mads Clausen Institute, Sønderborg, Denmark)

Abstract

This study empirically analyses the effects of five critical success factors on the front end of innovation and new product development success. Data from a self-developed questionnaire on a cross-industry sample of 77 German-based small- and medium-sized firms were collected through an online survey. Accouting for factors not included in previous studies, the results indicate that strategic alignment, creative encouragement, and external collaboration are the key predictors of front-end success. Surprisingly, the impact of process formalisation and the importance of cross-functional collaboration for front-end success could not be supported. We conject that collaboration in the front end of innovation must exceed simple communication and information exchange to significantly effect front-end success. Managerial implications of this study include the need for an internal search for ideas by fostering employees’ creative abilities while simultaneously remaining open to external input. Also, activities in the front end of innovation should be aligned with the organisation’s overall business strategy to promote successful ideation.

Suggested Citation

  • Simon Wagner & Peter M. Bican & Alexander Brem, 2021. "Critical Success Factors In The Front End Of Innovation: Results From An Empirical Study," International Journal of Innovation Management (ijim), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 25(04), pages 1-36, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:wsi:ijimxx:v:25:y:2021:i:04:n:s1363919621500468
    DOI: 10.1142/S1363919621500468
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    Cited by:

    1. Sakellariou, Evy & Vecchiato, Riccardo, 2022. "Foresight, sensemaking, and new product development: Constructing meanings for the future," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 184(C).

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