Innovation Implementation: The Role of Technology Diffusion Agencies

Jasmin Robertson; Tamma Sorbello; Kerrie Unsworth

doi:10.4067/S0718-27242008000100001

Authors

Jasmin Robertson Queensland University of Technology
Tamma Sorbello Queensland University of Technology
Kerrie Unsworth University of Western Australia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4067/S0718-27242008000100001

Abstract

A great deal of ‘innovation failure’ can be attributed to ineffective implementation, rather than failure of the innovation itself. External agencies such as technology diffusion agencies (TDAs) have been created to assist organisations to implement innovation successfully, but there has been little empirical research investigating their roles. This paper presents a longitudinal case study of failed innovation implementation, and highlights in particular the role that technology diffusion agencies can play to prevent such failure in future cases. Results indicate the importance of changes in organisational factors such as training, climate, and management support during the implementation process in predicting outcomes, and imply a role for TDAs in assisting with both technical and non-technical aspects of innovation implementation.

Keywords:

innovation implementation
technology diffusion agencies

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Author Biographies

Jasmin Robertson, Queensland University of Technology

Jasmin Robertson is a Researcher at the School of Management, Queensland University of Technology.

Tamma Sorbello, Queensland University of Technology

Tamma Sorbello is a Researcher at the School of Management, Queensland University of Technology.

Kerrie Unsworth, University of Western Australia

Kerrie Unsworth is a Senior Lecturer in the Management & OB Discipline in the Business School of University of Western Australia.

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