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Learning from innovation failures: a systematic review of the literature and research agenda

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  • Khalil Rhaiem

    (Laval University)

  • Nabil Amara

    (Laval University)

Abstract

Learning from innovation failures is a complex phenomenon that requires more in-depth analysis. Recent works have emphasized the importance of studying failures as an opportunity or a precursor to future success. These works suggest that entrepreneurs can fail and afterwards can learn from failures to “rise from the ashes” and succeed. This paper aims to present a systematic review and analyses of 53 conceptual and empirical research articles published between 1980 and 2017, on the topic of learning from innovation failures. This article advances knowledge on this topic by generating an integrative framework of learning from innovation failures that takes into account its three perspectives: as the main phenomenon under study, as an explanatory variable of another phenomenon, and as a mediating variable. Moreover, a research agenda based on research gaps identified in the literature has been proposed to suggest ways of moving forward for future research on this topic.

Suggested Citation

  • Khalil Rhaiem & Nabil Amara, 2021. "Learning from innovation failures: a systematic review of the literature and research agenda," Review of Managerial Science, Springer, vol. 15(2), pages 189-234, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:rvmgts:v:15:y:2021:i:2:d:10.1007_s11846-019-00339-2
    DOI: 10.1007/s11846-019-00339-2
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    Cited by:

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    3. Wang, Tao, 2023. "Toward an understanding of innovation failure: The timing of failure experience," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 125(C).
    4. Mercedes Rubio-Andrés & Mª Ramos-González & Miguel Ángel Sastre-Castillo, 2022. "Driving innovation management to create shared value and sustainable growth," Review of Managerial Science, Springer, vol. 16(7), pages 2181-2211, October.
    5. Baxter, David & Trott, Paul & Ellwood, Paul, 2023. "Reconceptualising innovation failure," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 52(7).
    6. Balzano, Marco & Marzi, Giacomo, 2023. "Exploring the pathways of learning from project failure and success in new product development teams," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 128(C).
    7. Qin, Jian & van der Rhee, Bo, 2021. "From trash to treasure: A checklist to identify high-potential NPD projects from previously rejected projects," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 104(C).
    8. Chatterjee, Sheshadri & Chaudhuri, Ranjan & Mariani, Marcello & Fosso Wamba, Samuel, 2023. "The consequences of innovation failure: An innovation capabilities and dynamic capabilities perspective," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 128(C).
    9. Philipp C. Sauer & Stefan Seuring, 2023. "How to conduct systematic literature reviews in management research: a guide in 6 steps and 14 decisions," Review of Managerial Science, Springer, vol. 17(5), pages 1899-1933, July.
    10. Johanna Elisa Dietl & Christina Derksen & Franziska Maria Keller & Martina Schmiedhofer & Sonia Lippke, 2023. "Psychosocial Processes in Healthcare Workers: How Individuals’ Perceptions of Interpersonal Communication Is Related to Patient Safety Threats and Higher-Quality Care," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(9), pages 1-19, May.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Learning from innovation failures; Innovation; Firms; Systematic review;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O3 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights

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