Title: Practices for efficient customer collaboration in innovation – insights from the Finnish industry

Authors: Minna Pikkarainen, Mikko Korkala, Jukka Kaariainen, Antti Valimaki

Addresses: VTT, Technical Research Centre of Finland, P.O. Box 1100, FI-90571, Oulu, Finland. ' VTT, Technical Research Centre of Finland, P.O. Box 1100, FI-90571, Oulu, Finland. ' VTT, Technical Research Centre of Finland, P.O. Box 1100, FI-90571, Oulu, Finland. ' Metso Automation Inc., P.O. Box 237, FIN-33101, Tampere, Finland

Abstract: Effective innovation management is crucial in order for contemporary organisations to create the right products for the right customers and market segments at the right time. One of the most important aspects of innovation is the collaboration between the organisation and its customers. In this study, findings from a longitudinal study related to customer collaboration in innovation are presented. As a result, a set of practices and suggestions fostering more efficient and flexible customer collaboration are provided.

Keywords: customer collaboration; innovation processes; innovation practices; software products; product lines; customised products; product development; Finland; innovation management; market segments; longitudinal studies; efficient collaboration; flexible collaboration; technology marketing; innovation design; customers.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTMKT.2011.041941

International Journal of Technology Marketing, 2011 Vol.6 No.1, pp.17 - 35

Received: 18 Mar 2011
Accepted: 12 May 2011
Published online: 30 Sep 2014 *

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