Trading places: innovation and performance go head-to-head: New products are vital, but will the bottom line make it all worthwhile?

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds his own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Findings

This briefing examines the trade-offs that take place between product innovation performance and business performance. It leverages a data set of 99 medium-sized technology firms in Sweden and considers the variables that affect these trade-offs. The paper suggests that while product innovation performance is positively related to the sales of the firm, the links with profitability are rather less proven.

Practical implications

The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations.

Originality/value

The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and an easy-to-digest format.

Citation

(2014), "Trading places: innovation and performance go head-to-head: New products are vital, but will the bottom line make it all worthwhile?", Strategic Direction, Vol. 30 No. 6, pp. 14-16. https://doi.org/10.1108/SD-04-2014-0041