Innovation Communities

Self organising networks have become the dominant innovators of complex technologies and radical innovation. The growing need for co-operation for innovation success demands a broader understanding what makes innovation projects succesful and requires new concepts. The book introduces the new concept of "innovation community" and defines it as an informal network of likeminded individuals, acting as promotors or champions, often from more than one company and different organisations that team up in a project related fashion, and commonly promote a specific innovation, either on one or across different levels of an innovation system. The publication presents findings from surveys that prove that networks of champions are a success factor in radical innovation. Case studies illustrate why the collaboration of champions makes innovation projects succesful. The book presents hands-on methods, includes tips on how to develop innovation communities and includes best practice cases.