Collaboration and networking in the process of innovation: the path to precision time keeping

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the process of innovation management in the eighteenth century in the context of the search for precision time keeping in the watch making industry. In particular it looks at how knowledge was managed and transferred among interested stakeholders in the process. Design/methodology/approach – The paper reviews the published horological literature on the subject and considers it within modern theories relating to the management of innovation. Findings – This paper illustrates that personal contact and collaboration is important to the development of innovation. The paper highlights the importance of networking in the process of innovation and collaboration as a means to share and develop ideas. Collaboration with organisations working in adjacent technologies was found to be present and competition promoted by the incentive of financial reward was found to be a motivator factor for moving innovation forward. Originality/value – This paper will be helpful to academics who study innovation history as well as current innovation management practices.