Development of a performance framework to support the innovation process

Abstract

Performance frameworks (PFs) for measuring the innovation process are critical for both research and practice. However, existing PFs neglect performance indicators (PIs) and dimensions relevant to companies' current innovation landscape and lack support in the definition of action plans. Thus, this thesis introduces a new and updated PF for measuring innovation performance and defining improvement actions. The PF was developed in the context of the hypothetic-deductive approach combining conceptual and empirical development. First, a systematic literature review enabled the synthesis of framework elements into a 'conceptual' PF capable of illustrating the current knowledge. It allowed the systematisation of nine dimensions and 259 PIs that were fragmented throughout the literature. Then, this PF was further developed in action research in two medium-sized manufacturing companies. Subsequently, to test the theory developed, i.e. that the PF can support manufacturing companies in measuring innovation performance and the definition of improvement plans, a case study for theory-testing was carried out. The empirical insights of the participating companies gave rise to an actionable procedure for providing a comprehensive diagnosis of the company's current situation considering the new trends and defining improvement actions. Although the results from three cases cannot be generalised, the findings encourage broader applicability, particularly in medium-sized manufacturing companies with more emphasis on technology-push strategies for innovation. Finally, this research's novelty resides in the fact that the PF consolidates elements from the literature but combined with empirical insights in a new actionable way that supports managers in performance measurement and provides researchers with an extensive systematisation of dimensions and PIs for the innovation process.