Conditions for Innovation: Insights from a Multi-case Study

The paper is based on a multiple-case study of conditions for product-based innovations. Key actors from 18 cases were interviewed concerning the specific character of the innovation process, its parts and phases, with a focus on the realization phase. The cases are analyzed and discussed on the basis of an experience-based framework with seven specific components. In addition, the data are illustrated and discussed by more general themes of successful and unsuccessful innovation processes. It is concluded that the components of the used framework are necessary but individually not sufficient to maintain a continuous friction-free innovation process. The dynamics of the innovation processes are well illustrated by the framework.