Knowledge processing and ecosystem co-creation for process innovation: Managing joint knowledge processing in process innovation projects

Process innovation drives industrial competitiveness and sustainability but remains elusive since it requires co-creation and the sharing of idiosyncratic design knowledge in ecosystems of providers and customers of process equipment. This paper investigates how firms can manage knowledge processing through co-creation in joint process innovation projects. Analysis of cross-comparative case studies –including nine industrial ecosystem actors – identifies three types of technological challenge (complexity, novelty and customization) that creates knowledge-processing requirements (uncertainty, equivocality) during the value co-creation process. To manage these knowledge-processing requirements, this paper explains how three joint knowledge-processing strategies (joint problem solving, open communication and end-user involvement) help ecosystem partners make sense of the requirements and demands in process innovation. In this context, the procurement approach (such as contracting and relationship development) helps to facilitate higher levels of joint knowledge processing, drawing on the diverse knowledge of ecosystem actors to secure successful process-innovation outcomes. The present study contributes to the emerging literature on co-creation in process innovation by developing a framework that highlights the knowledge-processing dynamics in ecosystem relationships for process innovation. The implications for management extends to a practical tool that guides project managers in ensuring appropriate levels of joint knowledge processing among ecosystem actors.</p

Methods and strategies for involving older adults in branding an online community: the miOne case study

This paper presents the methods and approaches used in the process of branding an online community for older adults, by actively involving them in its development. It starts by presenting a synthesis of the literature available on the naming and branding processes, the older adults’ characteristics, and relevant participatory design methods used. Then, it presents the participatory branding process, mainly supported by a focus group workshop held with 10 older adults aged 50 and over. The participation of the older adults allowed us to embed their values and identity into the generation of a more familiar brand name, positive values and clearer messaging. Although additional testing with different focus groups is required (e.g. other age range, different ICT skills, or literacy), the results imply that the brand resonates with the target audience.This work was supported by FCT (Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia), COMPETE 2020, Portugal 2020 and EU through the European Regional Development Fund – the project SEDUCE 2.0 nr. POCI-01-0145-FEDER-031696.publishe

Purchasing Involvement in Discontinuous Innovation: An Emerging Research Agenda

International audienceBuilding on a systematic review of the literature, we define and discuss why and how purchasing needs to be involved in the discontinuous innovation process. We argue that purchasing involvement in NPD should be considered mainly when the customer firm faces discontinuous innovation. Seeking to promote this emerging research agenda, we present three propositions to focus future studies and inspire practices: (a) technology sourcing and scanning out of the boundary of the supply base is an important stake to support discontinuous innovation as (b) to form an ambidextrous purchasing organization and (c) to develop absorptive capacity within purchasing function. The paper concludes by summarizing the conceptual implications of the paper, outlining some initial managerial recommendations