Research on Idea Generation and Selection: Implications for Management of Technology

36 Pages Posted: 25 Jun 2016

See all articles by Laura J. Kornish

Laura J. Kornish

University of Colorado at Boulder - Leeds School of Business

Jeremy Hutchison-Krupat

University of Cambridge - Judge Business School

Date Written: May 13, 2016

Abstract

Idea generation and selection are fundamental activities in innovation. Scholars in many disciplines have written about these activities, addressing diverse perspectives. In this paper, we synthesize the research findings most applicable to the management of technology. First, we present findings on the process of idea generation: the importance of problem recognition and the many decisions made in organizing the effort. Subsequently, we present findings about the process of idea selection, focusing on the different types of information that can be used in that decision. Third, we turn our attention to the organizational context in which both idea generation and selection occur: the corporate culture, use of incentives, organizational structure, and use of teams. Finally, we conclude, emphasizing that although idea generation and selection are as old as human decision making, changes in technology still affect these fundamental processes.

Keywords: idea generation, idea selection, management of technology

JEL Classification: M14, M54, O31, O32, O33

Suggested Citation

Kornish, Laura J. and Hutchison-Krupat, Jeremy, Research on Idea Generation and Selection: Implications for Management of Technology (May 13, 2016). Darden Business School Working Paper No. 2799432, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2799432 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2799432

Laura J. Kornish

University of Colorado at Boulder - Leeds School of Business ( email )

Boulder, CO 80309-0419
United States

Jeremy Hutchison-Krupat (Contact Author)

University of Cambridge - Judge Business School ( email )

Trumpington Street
Cambridge, CB2 1AG
United Kingdom

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