Creativ Power of Technology in Process Innovation

Name: _Thomas Diwo_____________Date:____09.Feb.2015_____________________

Case Study: _Creativ Power of technology  in process innovation

CASE SYNOPSIS:

The case tells us about the early years of the development and innovation steps in the the chemical-based photography industry. It highlights the importance of product and process technology as key factors of success and shows innovation as a creative force in the evolution of the chemical-based photography industry. It particularly follows the Eastman Kodak company and its way to become the dominant player in the industry through the adoption of innovative processes and products as well as rigourous patent protection. In the end „new“ digital innovations in the industry are presented and its left open how these will influence or alternate the industry and consumer behaviour.

LESSONS LEARNED:

• Innovations go step by step – often carrying parts and technology from the preivious product
• Need technical standards often lead to a dominant design – which does not have to be the “best design”
• Innovation often comes from outsiders with a fresh, unbiased view, or in process-oriented industries from suppliers of equipment.
• Established firms are often reluctant to radical changes, making them vulnerable to innvoations from unrelated industries
• Product and process innovation are tightly related, and as products gets more established the importance of process innovation increases
• In order to establish a favourable position, one does not necessarily need to have the best techonolgy or product but find the best balance between quality and cost.
• Process innovation comes with high costs and its not sure if this has a beneficial outcome.
• Creation of systems can accelerate the acceptance of the technology as well as create entry barriers.
• Innovations can be or may look threatening for existing firms as it changes their way of doing business
• The need to build new competences in anticipation of future developments is an important element of long-term business success. Utilization of outside views and ideas are crucial to innovate within the industry.

QUESTIONS TO THE PRESENTER:

1. Do you think that through the success of early years (1920-30), the successful patent protection and the continuous improvement of already “old technology” lead to some parts to the downfall of Kodak as they were sticking also with their established  techonolgy?

2.  Do companies in general use views and opinions of outsiders to innovate nowadays and can we see this by the increase of services of consulting companies?