Experimental assessment of an innovation knowledge system for decision support

Purpose – Today, a second generation of computer‐based innovation tools employs knowledge systems technology to automate and support key intellectual activities required for effective process design. But a central question remains as to the effectiveness of innovation through such knowledge systems. The research described in this paper is focused on testing the effectiveness of knowledge‐based process‐innovation systems. Design/methodology/approach – One such system called “KOPeR‐lite” is employed as a platform for experimentation to assess the relative efficacy of process designs generated by people using this tool versus that of designs developed by people without it. Findings – Performing in a decision‐support role, KOPeR‐lite helps people to perform comparatively well in certain respects, but human subjects without this tool outperform their KOPeR‐lite‐supported counterparts in others. Originality/value – The results provide evidence to support some claims of innovation efficacy through knowledge systems, and they offer insight into the relative strengths and weaknesses of knowledge systems in the innovation domain. This study further opens up new lines of research and highlights implications for process design and practice, including issues associated with leading adoption of knowledge system technology and extension of innovation‐support systems such as KOPeR‐lite.