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Management of radical innovation and environmental challenges Development of the DryQ capacitor at ABB

Management of radical innovation and environmental challenges Development of the DryQ capacitor... Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the driving forces for taking environmental considerations to a higher level in a project involving radical innovation. Design/methodology/approach – This qualitative case study is based on ten in‐depth interviews with respondents from the development team for the DryQ project at ABB. Findings – In order to achieve substantial environmental benefits, radical product development is essential. Radical product development has attributes that differ from those of incremental product development. It is important that these differences be acknowledged when preparing to manage environmental challenges in development projects. In radical product development, environmental considerations should be taken into account very early on, at the strategic level of the design process. Setting challenging environmental targets and rewarding environmental improvements was crucial to the outcome of the project presented in this paper. Research limitations/implications – The research presented here describes one case in one manufacturing company. Readers can, however, learn from this case and apply the insights gained to their own research or use the findings to promote new thinking in their own organisation. Practical implications – Suggestions are made about how to manage environmental considerations in radical product development. Originality/value – Few studies combine ecodesign and radical innovation theories, as is done here. Yet this is not a theoretical paper but an industry‐based study of eco‐innovation, from which researchers and practitioners can learn. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png European Journal of Innovation Management Emerald Publishing

Management of radical innovation and environmental challenges Development of the DryQ capacitor at ABB

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Publisher
Emerald Publishing
Copyright
Copyright © 2008 Emerald Group Publishing Limited. All rights reserved.
ISSN
1460-1060
DOI
10.1108/14601060810869857
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the driving forces for taking environmental considerations to a higher level in a project involving radical innovation. Design/methodology/approach – This qualitative case study is based on ten in‐depth interviews with respondents from the development team for the DryQ project at ABB. Findings – In order to achieve substantial environmental benefits, radical product development is essential. Radical product development has attributes that differ from those of incremental product development. It is important that these differences be acknowledged when preparing to manage environmental challenges in development projects. In radical product development, environmental considerations should be taken into account very early on, at the strategic level of the design process. Setting challenging environmental targets and rewarding environmental improvements was crucial to the outcome of the project presented in this paper. Research limitations/implications – The research presented here describes one case in one manufacturing company. Readers can, however, learn from this case and apply the insights gained to their own research or use the findings to promote new thinking in their own organisation. Practical implications – Suggestions are made about how to manage environmental considerations in radical product development. Originality/value – Few studies combine ecodesign and radical innovation theories, as is done here. Yet this is not a theoretical paper but an industry‐based study of eco‐innovation, from which researchers and practitioners can learn.

Journal

European Journal of Innovation Management – Emerald Publishing

Published: Apr 25, 2008

Keywords: Innovation; Environmental management; Product design; Operations and production management

References

  • Bridging environmental issues with new product development
    Berchicci, L.; Bodewes, W.