Strategic Management of Innovation Networks

Description

Suitable for a one- or two-semester course for undergraduate and graduate students, this interdisciplinary textbook explains the diverse aspects of innovation and social networks, which occupy a central place in business and policy agendas. Its unified approach presents networks as nested systems that can span organisations, industries, regions, and markets, giving students a holistic perspective and reducing the amount of effort required to learn the theoretical framework for each layer. With engaging real-world examples, the text also provides a practical guide on how to manage networks to increase innovation and improve performance. Topics covered include forming teams to foster creativity, selecting partners and leveraging partnerships for learning, managing organisational change, and sponsoring technologies in communities. Students will learn the metrics used in social network analysis and how they are interpreted and applied. Suggested reading lists and online resources offer opportunities for further review and practice.

Muge OEzman is Professor of Management at Institut Mines-Telecom, Paris. She has participated in major projects funded by the European Union, and worked with a variety of both small and large companies on innovation-related projects.

'Innovation has always been a multi-player game. But in an era of 'open innovation' organizations need to learn new skills around understanding and working at the network level. This text offers an excellent and interdisciplinary overview of this important developing field.' John Bessant, Exeter University 'In a world that has become increasingly connected the importance of understanding how networks influence innovation is critical to organizational performance. I would recommend Strategic Management of Innovation Networks to anyone who is interested in how innovation is embedded in networks. OEzman gives an excellent introduction to a complex topic and details both the theoretical relationship between networks and innovation as well as outlining the steps needed to analyse and manage innovation networks. It is a must-read for students, practitioners and researchers.' Andrew Parker, University of Kentucky