IT-Based Product and Process Innovation: A Case from the Spanish Legal Information Sector

1999 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 171-179
Author(s):  
Katrin Simon ◽  
Pedro J. Sanchez ◽  
Mikel Olazaran

In this paper we analyse the process of technical and organizational innovation through which Editorial Aranzadi (the leading firm in the Spanish legal information sector) adapted to the changes in its environment in the late 1980s and early 1990s. After a theoretical introduction, we introduce the firm (Editorial Aranzadi) and study some of the factors that provoked the beginning of the innovation process in the late 1980s. Then we analyse the main phases of the process of introduction of IT and organizational change in Editorial Aranzadi. Attention is then focused on product and process innovation. Finally, we draw the main conclusions from this case study.

2014 ◽  
Vol 657 ◽  
pp. 1036-1040
Author(s):  
Cristina Fenişer ◽  
Florin Lungu

The innovation process is a sequence of activities that carry out a company's management to produce new products and services for sale. At the same time, the category of innovation processes includes, market expansion activities, and improvement of: supply functionality, production processes, equipment maintenance, distribution channels, service and, last but not least, the perfectioning of the company's administrative and management activities. In this study we aimed to analyze the innovation strategy of firms in the industry in the county of Alba. As a research method we used a questionnaire-based survey. The data collected were subjected to a quantitative analysis. In specialized literature four types of innovation are conventionally defined : product innovation, process innovation, marketing innovation and organizational innovation. Product and process innovation are closely related to the concept of technological innovation and are the categories covered in this step. From the study's result we can see that innovation is a strategic priority for managers of industry in Alba County. They believe that the most important skills for innovation is the ability to anticipate the market's development, to attact innovative people and to develope new innovative technologies.


2014 ◽  
Vol 31 (7) ◽  
pp. 751-763 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dong-Young Kim ◽  
Young-Ha Hwang

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a self-certification framework for assessing technological innovation and certifying superior products. The paper discusses how and why organizational efforts to implement the self-certification program can lead to product and process innovation. Design/methodology/approach – Using the case study method in a large government-sponsored research and development institute, the authors examined the effectiveness of the proposed framework. Findings – The finding indicates that the success of the self-certification program is dependent on the ability of a firm to manage processes. The result also suggests that it is critical to develop an internal-driven motivation and ensure the strong commitment of top management when implementing the self-certification program. The finding reveals that the voluntary certification program has a positive effect on innovation and marketing performance. Originality/value – This study makes three contributions. First, the paper offers valuable insights on the use of a self-certification framework as a problem-solving tool in the innovation process. Second, based on the self-regulation theory, this study enhances the understanding of the potential of control in facilitating technological innovation. Third, the paper provides practical guidance about the application of self-assessment at the project level.


2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 866-888 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mercedes Segarra-Ciprés ◽  
Ana Escrig-Tena ◽  
Beatriz García-Juan

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze the degree to which employees’ proactive behavior contributes to innovation performance in firms operating in high-technology sectors. Despite the benefits of these behaviors for individuals and organizations, few studies have analyzed the contextual conditions that enable firms to capture their value in order to improve innovation performance. Drawing on the interactionist perspective, the authors also examine the extent to which informal and formal controls, such as perceived support for innovation and innovation process formalization, can facilitate the contribution of proactive behaviors to improve innovation performance (product and process innovation). Design/methodology/approach Based on an empirical study with a sample of 173 firms operating in chemical and information technology service sectors, hierarchical regression analysis was used to test the relationship between employees’ proactive behavior and innovation performance, and the moderating effects of informal and formal controls. Findings The results reveal a positive and significant association between proactive behaviors and product and process innovation performance. Both control mechanisms positively moderate the association between proactive behavior and product innovation, but no moderating role was found for process innovation. Moreover, rather than inhibiting innovation performance, innovation process formalization is positively associated with innovation. More specifically, a curvilinear relationship was found, which implies that when the level of formalization is high, it is able to improve product and process innovation. Practical implications The findings suggest that managers should consider proactive behavior in selection processes and performance management, and should cultivate a climate to support innovation and establish formal controls for innovation as a way to channel employees’ initiatives into product innovation. Originality/value This study contributes to the theoretical and managerial understanding of the extent to which proactive employees and organizational controls are able to enhance innovation in a technologically dynamic context.


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