Analogies can trigger breakthrough ideas in new product development. Numerous examples demonstratethat substantial innovations often result from transferring problem solutions from one industry ordomain to another. For instance, the designers of the new running shoe generation of Nike,...

Analogies can trigger breakthrough ideas in new product development. Numerous examples demonstrate that substantial innovations often result from transferring problem solutions from one industry or domain to another. For instance, the designers of the new running shoe generation of Nike, "Nike...

In this paper we explore how knowledge brokers – specialised design and engineeringcompanies offering services to clients in diverse industries – use analogies for productdevelopment. Our research is based on interviews with project leaders of 13 knowledgebrokering companies. The interviews...

„Kundenorientierung ist entscheidend für den Innovationserfolg!“ Obwohl dem Wissenschaftler und Praktiker in der Marktforschung grundsätzlich zustimmen dürften, ist mit der konsequenten Ausrichtung auf die Kundenbedürfnisse gleichzeitig der Nachteil einer konservativen Innovationspolitik...

Germany and Japan have particularly been affected by a rapid demographic change. The accelerated development of an aging and shrinking population has caused many changes, for instance, in customer needs and demands. These affect the value creation in both B2C and B2B markets, consequently...

In this paper we explore how knowledge brokers - specialised design and engineering companies offering services to clients in diverse industries - use analogies for product development. Our research is based on interviews with project leaders of 13 knowledge brokering companies. The interviews...

Manufacturers usually benefit by dividing their innovation processes into distinct phases in order to ensure that the development activities are performed efficiently in an appropriate sequence. Users usually do not apply such structured processes. They follow a more intuition-driven approach....

"Close orientation with the market is essential for innovation success!" Although both academics and market research practitioners would generally agree with this statement, alignment with the needs of the customer often results in conservative innovation strategies. Due to their focus on what...