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How to use analogies for breakthrough innovations

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  • Schild, Katharina
  • Herstatt, Cornelius
  • Lüthje, Christian

Abstract

Analogies can trigger breakthrough ideas in new product development. Numerous examples demonstrate that substantial innovations often result from transferring problem solutions from one industry or domain to another. For instance, the designers of the new running shoe generation of Nike, Nike SHOX, use the same suspension concept like the technologies applied for Formula 1 racing cars, or the biological Lotus-effect led to the development of various self-cleaning surfaces. Academic research on analogical thinking has been so far heavily influenced by general theoretical work from cognitive psychology or systematic inventing. Only a small number of studies have investigated the application of analogies in the specific context of breakthrough innovation projects. This paper focuses on the question how analogies can be systematically used in the early innovation phases of new product development and which factors influence the successful use of analogical thinking in innovating companies. Special attention is paid to organizational facilitators and the requests on people involved in this process.

Suggested Citation

  • Schild, Katharina & Herstatt, Cornelius & Lüthje, Christian, 2004. "How to use analogies for breakthrough innovations," Working Papers 24, Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH), Institute for Technology and Innovation Management.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:tuhtim:24
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Deborah Dougherty, 1992. "Interpretive Barriers to Successful Product Innovation in Large Firms," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 3(2), pages 179-202, May.
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    1. Malginov, Georgiy (Мальгинов, Георгий) & Radygin, Alexander (Радыгин, Александр), 2015. "Property management of the state treasury of the Russian Federation: some of the current trends [Управление Имуществом Государственной Казны Рф: Некоторые Актуальные Тенденции]," Ekonomicheskaya Politika / Economic Policy, Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, vol. 4, pages 20-46.
    2. Volker Bilgram & Alexander Brem & Kai-Ingo Voigt, 2019. "User-centric Innovations in New Product Development — Systematic Identification of Lead Users Harnessing Interactive and Collaborative Online-tools," World Scientific Book Chapters, in: Alexander Brem & Joe Tidd & Tugrul Daim (ed.), Managing Innovation Understanding and Motivating Crowds, chapter 7, pages 173-212, World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd..
    3. Herstatt, Cornelius & Schild, Katharina, 2004. "Systematische Nutzung von Analogien bei der Entwicklung innovativer Produkte," Working Papers 28, Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH), Institute for Technology and Innovation Management.
    4. Sabine Brunswicker & Ulrich Hutschek, 2010. "Crossing Horizons: Leveraging Cross-Industry Innovation Search In The Front-End Of The Innovation Process," International Journal of Innovation Management (ijim), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 14(04), pages 683-702.
    5. Nils ROLOFF & Ulrike LEHR & Wolfram KREWITT & Gerhard FUCHS & Sandra WASSERMANN & Wolfganf WEIMER-JEHLE & Bernd SCHMIDT, 2008. "Success Determinants for Technological Innovations in the Energy Sector - The Case of Photovoltaics," EcoMod2008 23800118, EcoMod.
    6. Kalogerakis, Katharina & Herstatt, Cornelius & Lüthje, Christian, 2005. "Generating innovations through analogies: An empirical investigation of knowledge brokers," Working Papers 33, Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH), Institute for Technology and Innovation Management.

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