Characteristics of innovating users in a consumer goods field - An empirical study of sport-related product consumers

We report on a survey of the innovation activities and characteristics of 153 users of outdoor-related consumer products. We find a high level of innovation by these consumers. Thirty-seven percent report that they have developed ideas for new or improved products, and more than 9% report building product prototypes or even marketable products. We also find that innovating users can be reliably distinguished from non-innovating ones by characteristics such as the benefit they expect from using their innovations and the level of expertise they have in their sport.Taken together, these two findings - frequent innovation by consumers and the possibility to identify efficiently those who innovate...