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To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.technovation.2008.06.003 Byline: Alexander Brem, Kai-Ingo Voigt Keywords: Idea management; Front end; Innovation management; Technology management; Innovation process; Market pull; Technology push; Software industry Abstract: Within the framework of this paper, an extensive literature overview of technology and innovation management aspects on market pull and technology push will be given. The existing classification of market pull and technology push will be particularly shown and called into question by suggesting a conceptual framework. Additionally, the most common front end innovation models will be introduced. Finally, the authors will introduce how a technology-based service company is managing the connection of these two alternatives. A special focus will be laid on the accordant methods in order to search for current market needs and new related technologies. The selected case study will focus on one of Germany's biggest and most successful software development and information technology service providers. Based on interviews, document analysis, and practical applications, an advanced conceptual framework will be introduced as to how market pull and technology push activities within the corporate technology and innovation management can be integrated. Hence, the purpose of the paper is to introduce a theory-based conceptual framework that can be used in today's corporate environment. In this context, technology managers may use the results as a conceptual mirror, especially regarding the influencing factors of innovation impulses and the use of interdisciplinary teams (with people from inside and outside the company) to accomplish successful corporate technology and innovation management. Author Affiliation: Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Chair of Industrial Management, Lange Gasse 20, 90403 Nuremberg, Germany

Byline: J. Roland Ortt, Ruud Smits The constant failure rate of new product introductions in the last decades implies that little progress in innovation management can be witnessed. Innovation management is seen as an activity in a multi-level system. The main trends in this system will be described. These trends are inter-related in a complex way and, as a result, the focus in innovation management should be on the combined effect of these trends and on the events that could destabilise the entire system. This article describes four general consequences of the trends in innovation management: 1) the end of the linear model; 2) the rise of the systems approach; 3) the inherent uncertainty and need for learning; 4) innovation becomes more entrepreneurial. These consequences can lead to entirely different approaches to innovation management, two of which will be discussed. The article concludes that significant progress in innovation management has been obtained, but the failure rate has remained the same because of the changing conditions.

Byline: Mariano Nieto, Jose E. Navas The management of technological innovation has become one of the most attractive and promising fields within the management areana. However, for the time being, there is no solid theoretical basis in our academic community for the study of innovation management. This shortage is especially shown by the coexistence of radically different methods of approach and the absence of a precise and commonly accepted terminology. This editorial outlines the development of research on technology management and innovation management and indicates the contribution made by papers in this special issue.