Title: Technological and organisational innovations: case study of Siemens (Australia)

Authors: Fang Zhao

Addresses: Business Faculty, School of Management, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476V, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia

Abstract: This author adopts a multi-dimensional view of innovation that defines innovation broadly to include new products, new processes, new services (including new uses of established products, processes and services), new forms of organisation, new markets, and the development of new skills and human capital. The study explores key issues raised in the process of technological and organisational innovation through a case study of Siemens (Australia). While it has made significant achievements in technological innovation, Siemens faces many challenges in its ability to maintain its innovativeness. The key findings of the case study include: a narrow view of innovation which restricted innovation to technological inventions and innovations only; a lack of awareness and understanding of how innovation affects bottom line results; cultural barriers to innovation at both business unit and organisational levels. The paper concludes with a series of recommendations to address the challenges of innovation.

Keywords: technological innovation; organisational innovation; case study; Siemens; Australia; organisational culture; skills; human capital; products; processes; services; business performance.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIL.2006.008182

International Journal of Innovation and Learning, 2006 Vol.3 No.1, pp.95 - 109

Published online: 22 Nov 2005 *

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