The Innovation Cycle: A New Model and Case Study for the Invention to Innovation Process

Abstract: A new cyclic model for innovation and product development is presented. The model expands upon current linear models and its structure provides insights for technology managers creating new strategies and operating philosophies. Current innovation models are linear and self-contained—all the pieces necessary to finish exist at the start and only time is required to sequentially proceed from one step to the next. The new model is cyclic in nature and includes both invention and innovation cycles with input from many sources. Recommendations developed for technology managers include evaluating their portfolio of technologies and projects to assess their position on the invention to innovation timeline and ensuring the appropriate resources are in place to support further progress. A case study of Rose-Hulman Ventures, innovative incubator/new product development center is also presented. The model, the recommendations and the case study will assist researchers in making decisions about new technologies to investigate, and will assist technology managers in evaluating candidate inventions for commercialization and determining the tactics to best bring them to markets.