Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the contribution of network competence to radical innovation.
Design/methodology/approach – Technological change associated with human body disposal acts as the form of radical innovation in which
network competence is examined. Interviews, observations at industry conferences and secondary data are used for the case studies featured and
in which network competence is investigated.
Findings – The paper establishes the importance of network competence at the regime and landscape level and the contribution of actors within
commercial innovation niches to bringing cremation alternatives to market.
Research limitations/implications – Some of the results are particular to the challenges of network entry and product introduction facing business
start-ups and the context of body disposal is unique. Further research should examine network competence and radical innovation in other business
fields.
Social implications – Firstly, the context of human body disposal highlights the importance of institutional actors and social systems in bringing
cremation alternatives to market. Secondly, focusing on human disposal encourages exchange amongst readers on a subject which is fundamental
to man’s existence, yet the discussion of which many might normally choose to avoid.
Originality/value – The paper connects two areas of academic interest, namely, niche management for sustainability and radical innovation in
business markets in which networking and network competence are key to the commercialisation of innovation.
Design/methodology/approach – Technological change associated with human body disposal acts as the form of radical innovation in which
network competence is examined. Interviews, observations at industry conferences and secondary data are used for the case studies featured and
in which network competence is investigated.
Findings – The paper establishes the importance of network competence at the regime and landscape level and the contribution of actors within
commercial innovation niches to bringing cremation alternatives to market.
Research limitations/implications – Some of the results are particular to the challenges of network entry and product introduction facing business
start-ups and the context of body disposal is unique. Further research should examine network competence and radical innovation in other business
fields.
Social implications – Firstly, the context of human body disposal highlights the importance of institutional actors and social systems in bringing
cremation alternatives to market. Secondly, focusing on human disposal encourages exchange amongst readers on a subject which is fundamental
to man’s existence, yet the discussion of which many might normally choose to avoid.
Originality/value – The paper connects two areas of academic interest, namely, niche management for sustainability and radical innovation in
business markets in which networking and network competence are key to the commercialisation of innovation.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 771 - 783 |
| Journal | Journal of Business and Industrial Marketing |
| Volume | 31 |
| Issue number | 6 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Aug 2016 |
Bibliographical note
Louise Canning is Associate Professor of Marketing atKedge Business School. Louise’s research centres broadly on
various aspects of inter-firm relationships, including network
entry and development and the handling of environmental
issues within business relationships. Her work has been
published in leading journals such as European Journal of
Marketing, Journal of Business and Industrial Marketing,
Journal of Marketing Management, and Journal of Services
Marketing. Louise Canning can be contacted at:
louise.canning@kedgebs.com
Isabelle Szmigin is Professor of Marketing at the University
of Birmingham. Isabelle’s research interests lie in the areas of
conceptualising consumer behaviour, services and relationship
marketing and her work has been published in a wide range of
academic journals including Psychology and Marketing,
European Journa
Keywords
- Innovation, Competence, Network, Sustainability, Radical
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Business,Management and Accounting