Networked innovation: developing the AXE110 “mini‐exchange” at Ericsson

This article describes an informal process of new product innovation that took place outside of the established structures in a large Swedish telecom company; how a number of individuals brought a product idea from invention to innovation by creating and enabling an informal competence network within the company. The purpose of the article is to bring out a number of insights into how “networked innovation” might be accomplished and supported, by elaborating this case and pointing to some of its management implications.