Article: The root-cause of process innovation success in the manufacturing sector Journal: International Journal of Manufacturing Technology and Management (IJMTM) 2025 Vol.39 No.6 pp.536 - 570 Abstract: Process innovation is vital for manufacturing companies, particularly in supporting product innovation, yet it remains less studied than product-focused innovation. Its success depends heavily on the front-end stage, where opportunities are identified, ideas are generated and project scope is defined. This study consolidates dispersed knowledge on front-end success factors in process innovation and highlights critical gaps in understanding how this early stage should be managed. By reviewing and synthesising existing literature, the study clarifies the factors that shape effective front-end execution and outlines future research directions. Findings show that companies benefit from a structured front-end approach built on three activity areas: 1) systematic and methodical project execution; 2) alignment of process innovation with broader organisational activities, including product innovation; 3) foundational activities that enable success, such as fostering an innovation climate and building process knowledge. Effective process innovation also requires strong human capital and capabilities to manage multi-functional teams. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: The root-cause of process innovation success in the manufacturing sector

Authors: Hubert Wittke; Alan Ryan; Ann Ledwith; Mark Southern

Addresses: School of Engineering, University of Limerick, Plassey, V94 T9PX, Limerick, Ireland ' School of Engineering, University of Limerick, Plassey, V94 T9PX, Limerick, Ireland ' School of Engineering, University of Limerick, Plassey, V94 T9PX, Limerick, Ireland ' School of Engineering, University of Limerick, Plassey, V94 T9PX, Limerick, Ireland

Abstract: Process innovation is vital for manufacturing companies, particularly in supporting product innovation, yet it remains less studied than product-focused innovation. Its success depends heavily on the front-end stage, where opportunities are identified, ideas are generated and project scope is defined. This study consolidates dispersed knowledge on front-end success factors in process innovation and highlights critical gaps in understanding how this early stage should be managed. By reviewing and synthesising existing literature, the study clarifies the factors that shape effective front-end execution and outlines future research directions. Findings show that companies benefit from a structured front-end approach built on three activity areas: 1) systematic and methodical project execution; 2) alignment of process innovation with broader organisational activities, including product innovation; 3) foundational activities that enable success, such as fostering an innovation climate and building process knowledge. Effective process innovation also requires strong human capital and capabilities to manage multi-functional teams.

Keywords: process innovation; success factor; front-end; framework; product innovation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMTM.2025.151255

International Journal of Manufacturing Technology and Management, 2025 Vol.39 No.6, pp.536 - 570

Received: 17 Jun 2024
Accepted: 12 May 2025
Published online: 19 Jan 2026 *

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Title: The root-cause of process innovation success in the manufacturing sector

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