The front end of innovation: Perspectives on creativity, knowledge and design

Shirley Gregor, Alan R. Hevner*

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

    14 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    While the importance of innovation as a dominant driver of societal and economic progress is well established, the processes and outcomes of innovation remain distressingly ad-hoc and unpredictable. In particular, the Front End of Innovation (FEI) provides many open questions as innovators are challenged to understand the opportunity context, generate novel ideas, and evaluate these ideas for the implementation of solutions. We propose an original model of the FEI with a nascent theory base drawn from recent perspectives in the areas of innovation, creativity, knowledge, and design science. A key insight is the application of a knowledge maturity lens to distinguish four categories of innovation – invention, exaptation, advancement, and exploitation. We conclude with an agenda for future research to extend innovation theories and with actionable advice for improving current practices of innovation.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationNew Horizons in Design Science
    Subtitle of host publicationBroadening the Research Agenda - 10th International Conference, DESRIST 2015, Proceedings
    EditorsBrian Donnellan, Debra VanderMeer, Jim Kenneally, Robert Winter, Marcus Rothenberger, Markus Helfert
    PublisherSpringer Verlag
    Pages249-263
    Number of pages15
    ISBN (Electronic)9783319187136
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2015
    Event10th International Conference on Design Science Research in Information Systems and Technology, DESRIST 2015 - Dublin, Ireland
    Duration: 20 May 201522 May 2015

    Publication series

    NameLecture Notes in Computer Science (including subseries Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence and Lecture Notes in Bioinformatics)
    Volume9073
    ISSN (Print)0302-9743
    ISSN (Electronic)1611-3349

    Conference

    Conference10th International Conference on Design Science Research in Information Systems and Technology, DESRIST 2015
    Country/TerritoryIreland
    CityDublin
    Period20/05/1522/05/15

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