User-Driven Innovation in a Construction Material Supply Network Søren Wandahl a, Alexia Jacobsen b, Astrid Heidemann Lassen b, Søren Bolvig Poulsen c, Henrik Sørensen b a) Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Aalborg University Denmark b) Center for Industrial Production, Aalborg University Denmark c) Department of Architecture and Design, Aalborg University Denmark
Abstract Purpose: User-Driven Innovation has proven to successfully increase the value of products and services in single companies with direct linkages to the end-user. The construction material industry has often no direct linkages to the end-user, due to supply networks through builder merchants. Moreover, a lack of user knowledge is common in such networks, and companies rarely have explicit knowledge on how their products and services are in fact used and valued by their endusers. Thus, it is clear that User-Driven Innovation is not directly applicable to the construction material industry without further developments. Hence, the purpose of this research is to demonstrate that a network perspective is essential when adapting and implementing User-Driven Innovation in the construction material industry. Moreover, the aim of the research is to let the advantages of doing so surface. Methodology: The research design includes a number of different approaches and types of interaction between the researchers and industry. Additionally, an extensive literature review on User-Driven Innovation is carried out to identify variables necessary for successful adaptation to a network perspective. Findings: The conclusion of this research validates that a network approach to adapting UserDriven Innovation in the construction material industry is a precondition for a successful innovation journey. Also concluded is that by adapting the network perspective new value adding potentials become visible, which could have a huge impact on innovation, effectiveness, efficiency, etc. in the construction material industry. Originality: This research adds to the body of knowledge on how to implement User-Driven Innovation in a supply network by developing a framework for such an innovation process. The framework has its outset in any given generic new product development model with a logical sequence of steps. However, the framework is further developed into defining the networks activities, the internal activities, and the user oriented activities needed. Key Words: User-Driven Innovation, Construction Material Industry, Network Paper type: Research paper