Trading places: innovation and performance go head-to-head : New products are vital, but will the bottom line make it all worthwhile?

Purpose – This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach – This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds his own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings – This briefing examines the trade-offs that take place between product innovation performance and business performance. It leverages a data set of 99 medium-sized technology firms in Sweden and considers the variables that affect these trade-offs. The paper suggests that while product innovation performance is positively related to the sales of the firm, the links with profitability are rather less proven. Practical implications – The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value – The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and an easy-to-digest format.