Implementation of Innovation — A Case Study from the Food Industry

Summary

The identification of new business opportunities using creative problem solving techniques aligned to the analysis of market needs can be a stimulating and rewarding intellectual exercise. The conversion of the most promising innovative concepts into successful products can, on the other hand, be a slow, painstaking and often frustrating process requiring entrepreneurial skills not often evident in large businesses.

This paper describes the development of a novel food additive, the prevailing market circumstances which led to its inception, the problems encountered with the realisation of its potential in the market-place and the management philosophy adopted to maximise the chance of eventual success.