How user innovations become commercial products
Subtitle: a theoretical investigation and case study
By: Carliss Baldwin, Christoph Hienerth, Eric Von Hippel
Series: Working paper / Division of Research, Harvard Business School -- 06-032; Working paper (Harvard Business School. Division of Research) -- 06-032
Publisher: Division of Research, Harvard Business School
Published: 2006
Place of publication: Boston
Language: eng
Number of pages: 30
Description: In this paper we model the pathways commonly traversed as user innovations are transformed into commercial products. First, one or more users recognize a new set of design possibilities and begin to innovate. They then join into communities, motivated by the increased efficiency of collective innovation. User-manufacturers then emerge, using high variable cost / low-capital production methods. Finally, as user innovation slows, the market stabilizes enough for high-capital, low variable cost manufacturing to enter. We test the model against the history of the rodeo kayak industry and find it supported. We discuss implications for "dominant design" theory and for innovation practice.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references.