Outsourcing Innovation


Outsourcing innovation is an increasingly popular alternative to traditional forms of innovation. The concept explains the benefits and drawbacks of this approach and uses illustrative case studies and research examples to show how innovation outsourcing is used and how it can be implemented.

Technique Overview

Outsourcing Innovation Definition

Outsourcing innovation is a strategy of using external parties to engage in (i) idea generation for new products and services and (ii) development of strategies for bringing these ideas to market. It is a form of business process outsourcing that focuses less on cost-saving and more on achieving innovation and value (Lacity & Willcocks, 2013).

Outsourcing Innovation Description *

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Business Evidence

Strengths, weaknesses and examples of Outsourcing Innovation *

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Business Application

Implementation, success factors and measures of Outsourcing Innovation *

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Professional Tools

Outsourcing Innovation videos and downloads *

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Further Reading

Outsourcing Innovation web and print resources *

Outsourcing Innovation references (4 of up to 20) *

  • Anthony, S., 2009. My Best Innovation Advice? Be Promiscuous. HBR Blog Network, Sep 23. Available at: [Accessed 10 March 2012].
  • Cui, Z., Loch, C., 2011. A Strategic Decision Framework for Innovation Outsourcing. International Journal of Innovation Management, 15(5), pp.899-930.
  • Engardio, P., Einhorn, B., 2005. Outsourcing Innovation. BusinessWeek, Mar 21. Available at: [Accessed 5 March 2012].
  • Gunasekaran, A., Khalil, O., Rahman, S.M., 2003. Knowledge and information technology management: human and social perspectives. Idea Group Inc (IGI).

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