Sources of Innovation
SYNOPSIS OF CHAPTER
In this chapter consideration is given to the role of creativity as the underlying process for the generation of novel and useful ideas. Individual creativity is considered to a function of intellectual abilities, knowledge, thinking styles, personality traits, intrinsic motivation and environment. Firm creativity is more than the sum of member creativity. Firm creativity is also a function of the organizational structure and the strategic management approach employed.
The chapter moves on to explore how creativity is transformed into innovative outcomes by the separate components of the innovation system (e.g., individuals, firms, etc) and the linkages between the different components.
The last part of the chapter focuses on the role of innovation networks in new product/process development. Firms are most likely to collaborate with customers, suppliers, and universities, though they also may collaborate with competitors, producers of complements, government laboratories, nonprofit organizations, and other research institutions. Emphasis is placed on developing an understanding of technological clusters including how they are formed and the benefits associated with them. The role of knowledge transfer in the creation of clusters is demonstrated in the context of Silicon Valley.
tEACHING oBJECTIVES
1. To help students understand the relationship between creativity and innovation.
2. To explore, quantitatively and qualitatively, the role played by individuals, firms, universities, governments, and non-profits in innovation.
3. The chapter highlights the role of collaborative networks in innovation, including technological spillovers, and technology clusters.
LECTURE OUTLINE
I) Overview
a. Innovation can arise from many different sources including individuals, firms, universities, government laboratories and incubators, and private non-profit organizations.
b. Firms are well suited to