Innovation speed and radicalness: are they inversely related?

The objective in this study is to examine the relationship between innovation speed, and radical product and process innovations.

A survey of firms in the high‐tech (semiconductor, audio video equipment and computer hardware) industries was conducted. Hypotheses were tested using a hierarchical multiple regression analysis.

The results revealed a significant positive relationship between innovation speed and both radical product and radical process innovations. Radical product and process innovations were highly correlated in the sample.

Response rate was relatively low to the survey, however, control variables were included to ensure accuracy of results. This study empirically tested inter‐innovation relationships within the high‐tech industry.

Findings suggest that firms should not avoid radical innovations with the fear of being late to market. In addition, based on these results, product and process innovations are closely linked to one another, and to innovation speed.

This is one of the few studies to examine inter‐innovation relationships at the firm level.