The challenges of innovation capability building: Learning from longitudinal studies of innovation efforts at Renault and Volvo Cars

Sofia Borjesson (1) , Maria Elmquist (2) , Sophie Hooge (3)

1 Department of technology management and economics
2 Chalmers University of Technology [Göteborg]
3 CGS i3 - Centre de Gestion Scientifique i3

This paper describes two initiatives to develop the capabilities for innovation in two automotive firms, focusing on the efforts of individuals in their two missions: to manage an innovation portfolio and to systematically build capabilities for innovation. The research is based on longitudinal studies of two European car manufacturers and makes several contributions. First, it contributes to innovation capability theory by addressing the efforts under- taken by managers to develop the capabilities for innovation, underlining the need for political astuteness and a learning perspective. Second, it shows the challenges involved in large mature firms and the need for explicit management support.

Keywords: Innovation Capabilities; innovation manager; large firms; automotive

Domains: Business administration

Sofia Borjesson, Maria Elmquist, Sophie Hooge. The challenges of innovation capability building: Learning from longitudinal studies of innovation efforts at Renault and Volvo Cars. Journal of Engineering and Technology Management, 2014, 31, pp.120-140. ⟨10.1016/j.jengtecman.2013.11.005⟩. ⟨halshs-00952595⟩