Towards a balanced view of innovations

Abstract

Purpose

Based on theoretical input from punctuated equilibrium theory and the exploration vs exploitation paradigm, a set of innovation drivers and propositions is developed. The purpose of this paper is to present a starting point for a more comprehensive investigation of companies’ innovation trajectories towards balance.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper builds on a thorough analysis of the literature and suggests the notion of “strategic inflection points” (SIPs). These points are supposed to mark the transgression between innovation types as reflected in respective performance enhancements.

Findings

The propositions developed in this paper serve as a basis for further understanding and for subsequent empirical research.

Practical implications

Managerial implications relate to the understanding that companies need to balance innovation types in order to increase performance.

Originality/value

This paper discusses a variety of innovation types and suggests the notion of SIPs.

Citation

Prange, C. and Schlegelmilch, B.B. (2016), "Towards a balanced view of innovations", Management Decision, Vol. 54 No. 2, pp. 441-454. https://doi.org/10.1108/MD-05-2015-0198