Episodic Innovation: R&D Strategies for Project-Based Environments

Virginia Acha (), David Gann and Ammon Salter

Industry and Innovation, 2005, vol. 12, issue 2, 255-281

Abstract: Many businesses organise activities as projects when they need to coordinate loose networks of individuals and firms in order to complete specific, discrete tasks. Some use research and development (R&D) and technical support functions for problem-solving on projects. Yet firms working in this mode rarely have the opportunity to translate lessons from projects into organisational capabilities. This paper explores R&D strategies adopted by project-based firms, drawing on data collected in four case studies of engineering consultancies. It focuses on the development of organisational memory and capability through creation of meta-routines. In doing so, we assess the impact of choices made in organising R&D on learning and capability development. We argue that new models of decentralised R&D are required for project-based environments that combine flexibility and integration with a long-term strategic perspective.

Keywords: Episodic innovation; R&D; project-based environments; organisational memory; meta-routines (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2005
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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DOI: 10.1080/13662710500087990

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