A critical look at technological innovation typology and innovativeness terminology

A literature review

Bibliographic Data

ID23325968
AuthorsR L Fernando Garcia (0000-0003-2319-754X, Michigan State University, corresponding author), Rosanna Garcia, Roger J Calantone (0000-0002-0444-9038, Michigan State University), Roger Calantone
Year2002
Volume19
Issue2
Pages110-132
Publication date2002-03-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Product Innovation Management (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0737-6782 • E-ISSN: 1540-5885
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/1540-5885.1920110
OpenAlexW4241805449
LanguageEN
Citations received106
References cited43

A plethora of definitions for innovation types has resulted in an ambiguity in the way the terms ‘innovation’ and ‘innovativeness’ are operationalized and utilized in the new product development literature. The terms radical, really‐new, incremental and discontinuous are used ubiquitously to identify innovations. One must question, what is the difference between these different classifications? To date consistent definitions for these innovation types have not emerged from the new product research community. A review of the literature from the marketing, engineering, and new product development disciplines attempts to put some clarity and continuity to the use of these terms. This review shows that it is important to consider both a marketing and technological perspective as well as a macrolevel and microlevel perspective when identifying innovations. Additionally, it is shown when strict classifications from the extant literature are applied, a significant shortfall appears in empirical work directed toward radical and really new innovations. A method for classifying innovations is suggested so that practitioners and academics can talk with a common understanding of how a specific innovation type is identified and how the innovation process may be unique for that particular innovation type. A recommended list of measures based on extant literature is provided for future empirical research concerning technological innovations and innovativeness. “A rose is a rose is a rose. And a rose by any other name would smell just as sweet.” Gertrude Stein & William Shakespeare

Ambiguity · Business · CLARITY · Epistemology · Extant taxon · Innovation Management · Knowledge management · New product development · Operationalization · Perspective (graphical) · Product (mathematics) · Product innovation · Sociology · Terminology · Typology · Computer Science · Entrepreneurship Studies and Influences · Environmental Sustainability in Business · Innovation Diffusion and Forecasting · Marketing

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