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Involving Lead Users in Innovation: A Structured Summary of Research on the Lead User Method

In: Emerging Issues and Trends in INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT

Author

Listed:
  • Alexander Brem
  • Volker Bilgram
  • Adele Gutstein

Abstract

Research on the lead user method has been conducted for more than thirty years and has shown that the method is more likely to generate breakthrough innovation than traditional market research tools. Based on a systematic literature review, this paper shows a detailed view on the broad variety of research on lead user characteristics, lead user processes, lead user identification and application, and success factors. The main challenge of the lead user method as identified in literature is the resource issue regarding time, manpower, and costs. Also, internal acceptance and the processing of the method have been spotted in literature, as well as the intellectual property protection issue. From the starting point of the initial lead user method process introduced by Lüthje and Herstatt (2004), results are integrated into a revisited view on the lead user method process. In addition, concrete suggestions for corporate realization options are given. The article closes with limitations and future research suggestions.

Suggested Citation

  • Alexander Brem & Volker Bilgram & Adele Gutstein, 2021. "Involving Lead Users in Innovation: A Structured Summary of Research on the Lead User Method," World Scientific Book Chapters, in: Alexander Brem (ed.), Emerging Issues and Trends in INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT, chapter 2, pages 21-48, World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd..
    • Handle: RePEc:wsi:wschap:9789811247729_0002
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    Cited by:

    1. is not listed on IDEAS
    2. Harm-Jan Steenhuis & Xin Fang & Tolga Ulusemre, 2020. "Global Diffusion of Innovation during the Fourth Industrial Revolution: The Case of Additive Manufacturing or 3D Printing," International Journal of Innovation and Technology Management (IJITM), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 17(01), pages 1-34, February.
    3. Wu, Dong & Zou, Fan, 2025. "Dominant design selected by users: Dynamic interaction and convergence of users," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 140(C).
    4. Isabel Schmid & Janik Wörner & Susanne Leist, 2022. "Automated identification of different lead users regarding the innovation process," Electronic Markets, Springer;IIM University of St. Gallen, vol. 32(2), pages 945-970, June.
    5. Mütterlein, Joschka & Kunz, Reinhard E. & Baier, Daniel, 2019. "Effects of lead-usership on the acceptance of media innovations: A mobile augmented reality case," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 145(C), pages 113-124.
    6. Hurmelinna-Laukkanen, Pia & Nätti, Satu & Pikkarainen, Minna, 2021. "Orchestrating for lead user involvement in innovation networks," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 108(C).
    7. Diana Thamrin, 2020. "Empowering Surabaya Creative Communities and Start-Ups through Human-Centered Design," GATR Journals gjbssr561, Global Academy of Training and Research (GATR) Enterprise.
    8. Pauli Komonen & Susanne Jacobson, 2024. "Citizens envisioning life in 2040: A qualitative corporate foresight study in London," Futures & Foresight Science, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 6(2), June.
    9. Sakellariou, Evy & Karantinou, Kalipso & Goffin, Keith, 2020. "From user insights to user foresights: Applying video-based ethnographic narratives and user innovation in NPD," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 153(C).

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives
    • O32 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Management of Technological Innovation and R&D
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
    • O36 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Open Innovation

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