Lead user intelligence for complex product development: the case of industrial IT-security solutions
by Alexander Sänn; Jana Krimmling; Daniel Baier; Ming Ni
International Journal of Technology Intelligence and Planning (IJTIP), Vol. 9, No. 3, 2013

Abstract: Nowadays, the lead user method is a state of the art method used to generate breakthrough innovations for the new product development. Since the lead user method was successfully applied in generating simple products for business-to-business environments, the contribution of lead users in a complex product environment is highly controversial. This research adopts this to generate future complex IT-security solutions for business-to-business environments in the energy sector. The combined approach of lead user intelligence and voice of the customer techniques is expected to lower the risk of an unreliable product development and to fasten the lead user method. The empirical findings show an appropriate lead user method fitting small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) restricted resources and requirements of effective research and development processes in a high-technology environment. It further enables SMEs to specify and parameterise future products according to reliable and user verified data within development processes.

Online publication date: Wed, 05-Mar-2014

The full text of this article is only available to individual subscribers or to users at subscribing institutions.

 
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.

Pay per view:
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.

Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Technology Intelligence and Planning (IJTIP):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:

Username:        Password:          Forgotten your password?

Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.

If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com