Title: Process innovation - the blind spot in product innovation. Development of a generic framework for the front-end in process innovation

Authors: Hubert Wittke; Alan Ryan; Ann Ledwith; Mark Southern

Addresses: School of Engineering, University of Limerick, Plassey, Limerick, Ireland ' School of Engineering, University of Limerick, Plassey, Limerick, Ireland ' School of Engineering, University of Limerick, Plassey, Limerick, Ireland ' School of Engineering, University of Limerick, Plassey, Limerick, Ireland

Abstract: This study aims to consolidate the fragmented knowledge dispersed across simple or incomplete (existing) frameworks on process innovation and identifies the research gaps in the management of the front-end stage. The outcomes contribute to the present knowledge by a comprehensive review (with the systematic literature review (SLR) methodology) and synthesis of twelve management frameworks of process innovation. The paper also presents a novel framework for management of the front-end of process innovation in manufacturing companies. This research identifies that the front-end in process innovation must integrate with activities linked to product innovation, if innovation projects are to be successful.

Keywords: process innovation; front-end; FFE; generic framework; product innovation; management; research gaps; systematic literature review; SLR; synthesis; manufacturing enterprises.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMTM.2024.138302

International Journal of Manufacturing Technology and Management, 2024 Vol.38 No.3, pp.189 - 212

Received: 07 May 2021
Received in revised form: 08 Jun 2022
Accepted: 12 Jul 2022
Published online: 01 May 2024 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article