11. Innovation Leadership Evolution of innovation capability Over the past 20 years there have been three main waves of innovation, each identifiable by a differing strategic emphasis. These have impacted all aspects of a company’s operations. Phase 1: 1980–1986. Putting the basics in place. A rise in the number, range and type of new products available, through consumer demand, new technologies and market growth, demanded formulating a product strategy as an element of the overall corporate vision. Technology transfer. A need arose for companies to access specific new technologies that could give them competitive advantage through networking and partnering with external sources or recruiting of experienced employees.
12. Innovation Leadership Evolution of innovation capability Phase 2: 1987–1993. Globalization and acceleration. Identifying and exploiting a company’s core competences to the full for creation of new business became a key issue for many. Supplier partnerships – improving alliances with vendors and customers improved the efficiency of both development and production processes. Phase 3: 1994–1999. Focus and integration . Successful integration of R&D with overall business strategy helped improve technology application. Competitor collaboration – short- and long-term strategic alliances for information sharing came into place.