Product and process innovation in process industry: a new perspective on development
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to open up the research and development (R&D) organisation by separating product and process innovation and exploring these activities in terms of the structural variable of centralisation versus decentralisation.
Design/methodology/approach
Case studies of three multinational firms, representing food and beverage, mining and minerals, and pulp and paper industry.
Findings
Dual structures may exist within the R&D organisation, one for product innovation and one for process innovation. Consequently, it is suggested that the conventional notion of R&D organisational design, equating R&D more or less with product innovation, does not present a complete picture for many firms.
Research limitations/implications
Opening up the R&D organisation will help further the understanding link between the organisational structuring of product and process innovation, and the efforts of organisations to develop resources and competitive advantages.
Practical implications
The findings have implications for managing the strategy‐organizational fit concerning innovation in process industry.
Originality/value
The conventional view regarding R&D as a single entity – either centralised or decentralised – does not present a complete picture. This paper clarifies the link between strategic innovation determinants and the organisational configuration of R&D.
Keywords
Citation
Bergfors, M.E. and Larsson, A. (2009), "Product and process innovation in process industry: a new perspective on development", Journal of Strategy and Management, Vol. 2 No. 3, pp. 261-276. https://doi.org/10.1108/17554250910982499
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2009, Emerald Group Publishing Limited