Changing patterns of innovation in a process-dominated industry Online publication date: Fri, 22-May-2009
by D.J. Bower, W. Keogh
International Journal of Technology Management (IJTM), Vol. 12, No. 2, 1996
Abstract: Research on innovation in several industries has indicated that individual radical and incremental innovations have involved contributions from communicating networks of scientists and engineers in different organizations. This paper analyses the record of innovation within the downstream (refining and organic chemical production) and upstream (exploration and extraction of oil and gas) sectors of the petrochemical industry. It finds that in the downstream industry a varied group of organizations have mediated innovation, following the cyclical pattern of the Abernathy-Utterback model. On the other hand, while evidence about the upstream petroleum industry indicates a diversity of contributors similar to those found in other industries, the tempo of innovation does not appear to fit cyclical models derived from a number of manufacturing industries. A continuous innovation pattern which has emerged since 1980 in the pharmaceutical industry is discussed as offering a possible model for other industries which must innovate continuously.
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