Networks of Promotors as Success Factor for Radical Innovations: Theoretical Considerations and Empirical Findings

Based on the conceptual framework developed in the previous chapter, this chapter presents empirical findings regarding the role and relevance of transformational leaders like “promotors” and “champions” in innovation networks, and their effect on innovation success. Section 2.1 gives an introduction to state-of-the-art innovation network research, success factor research and open innovation research, as well as linking key findings from these areas to the research agenda of Innovation Communities. Section 2.2 develops the theoretical background and terminology for studying the role of innovators and extends well-known studies on key persons in innovation projects by using a cross-company, network-oriented perspective. The chapter also develops concepts of group interaction and identity and operationalizes the Innovation Community concept for a large-scale survey. In Sect. 2.3, the research hypotheses on innovation communities are developed, and measures for promotor roles, group identity, group interaction, project performance and degree of innovativeness are introduced. Section 2.4 presents the findings of the innovation networks survey. The hypothesized relationships were tested using a comprehensive sample of 107 German networks of companies and research institutions. The results support the proposition that group interaction and group identity factors are significantly higher in successful innovation networks. One important finding of the survey is that innovation communities have a considerable (positive) effect on project performance and overall innovation success, especially in radical innovation projects. These “promotor networks” can be considered to be an important success factor for radical innovation projects. The implications of these findings are discussed in Sect. 2.5.