Multivariate Analysis of Environmental, Organizational and Process Variables in the Process of Organized Technological Innovation. Volume 1. Executive Summary

摘要

This text reviews a conceptual framework of technological innovation within industrial settings, and focuses on the research and development (R&D) project as an appropriate unit of analysis. The ways that R&D projects contribute to firms--through new products and more efficient product processes, for example--are noted, and ways of categorizing the types of project contributions are discussed. The distinction between incremental and major innovations is noted: incremental innovations are changes to existing products or processes, and major innovations are projects aimed at creating a completely new product or process. The context of innovation is discussed in terms of the external environment in which the firm operates and in terms of its internal environment, including the design of the organization. Major inputs to innovation are identified, and a study of 21 large organizations within 4 lines of business (low carbon, flat-rolled steel; agricultural chemicals, pesticides; packaged, processed foods; and industrial chemical intermediaries) is reported.