A benchmark study of strategic commitment to innovation

Cottam, Angela; Ensor, John; Band, Christine

Abstract

Describes the results of an empirical investigation of the FTSE 100 which was undertaken to ascertain whether UK industry is taking steps to address innovation at a strategic level within its organisations. In the research study, the appointment of staff with a specific responsibility for innovation was taken as an indicator of an organisation's strategic commitment to innovation. The findings revealed that a significant minority of these organisations had invested in personnel with a specific brief for innovation. These were: directors of innovation; managers of innovation and cross-functional teams. It is suggested that to maximise the benefits from innovation: it must be given a strategic direction; that relevant metrics be developed to measure the success of the innovation strategy; that organisations are educated on the holistic meaning of innovation; and finally, that there is a freedom from traditional hierarchical structures in the management of innovation

Citation

Cottam, A., Ensor, J., & Band, C. (2001). A benchmark study of strategic commitment to innovation. European Journal of Innovation Management, 4(2), 88-94. https://doi.org/10.1108/14601060110390594

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: 2001-06
• Deposit Date: Feb 15, 2008
• Print ISSN: 1460-1060
• Publisher: Emerald
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 4
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 88-94
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/14601060110390594
• Keywords: innovation; investment; personnel; strategic management; UK industry
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/id/eprint/2079
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/14601060110390594