Peering into the future of innovation management

Jones, J., Cope, J., & Kintz, A. (2016). Peering into the future of innovation management. Research-Technology Management, 59(4), 49-58. DOI: 10.1080/08956308.2016.1185344

The increased pace of technological change and a number of megatrends are reshaping how firms approach innovation and, consequently, the role innovation managers play in the firm. In the context of so much uncertainty and change, this study sought to explore the future of innovation management and how firms can ensure their innovation management practices are ready to meet future challenges. The impetus for this study arose from the desire of the Industrial Research Institute’s (IRI) External Technology Network to understand the internal and external influences that may shape the future of innovation management. A literature review, megatrends scan, and expert interviews were used to identify key issues and design a survey that asked innovation managers about their views on the issues and trends identified. The responses were analyzed to understand how practitioners, service providers, and academics perceive the future of innovation management.