Title: Exploring an effective model of new product development in medical devices: a knowledge cluster approach

Authors: Yi-Sung Kuo; Ting-Kuei Kuo; Hsi-Peng Lu; Tim Minshall

Addresses: Graduate Institute of Management, No. 43, Sec. 4, Keelung Rd., Da'an Dist., Taipei City 106, Taiwan ' Graduate Institute of Management, No. 43, Sec. 4, Keelung Rd., Da'an Dist., Taipei City 106, Taiwan ' Graduate Institute of Management, No. 43, Sec. 4, Keelung Rd., Da'an Dist., Taipei City 106, Taiwan ' Institute for Manufacturing, Cambridge University Engineering Department, 17 Charles Babbage Road, Cambridge, CB3 0FS, UK

Abstract: This study proposes a new product development (NPD) model that aims to improve the effectiveness of innovative NPD in the medical devices. By adopting open innovation theory and applying an in-depth investigation methodology, this paper proposes a knowledge cluster that improves the integration of interdisciplinary human resources and enhances the acquirement of innovative technologies. A knowledge cluster approach helps gather, organise, synthesise, and accumulate knowledge in order to become the impetus for innovation. Although enterprises are no longer the principals of research and development, they should still be capable of integrating professional physicians, external groups, and individuals through the knowledge cluster platform. However, in order to support an effective NPD model, enterprises should provide adequate incentives and trust to external individuals or groups willing to contribute their expertise and knowledge to this knowledge cluster platform.

Keywords: new product development; innovative NPD; medical devices; open innovation; closed innovation; intellectual property; IP; knowledge clusters; research and development; R&D; interdisciplinary human resources; human resource integration; incentives; trust.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.2013.056902

International Journal of Technology Management, 2013 Vol.63 No.3/4, pp.295 - 312

Published online: 10 May 2014 *

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