Exploring New Frontiers: Knowledge Creation Processes Behind Breakthrough Innovation

Navigating Untrodden Paths: Investigating Knowledge Exploration and es in the Origin of Breakthrough Innovation

Forthcoming, Organization Science

Introduction:

Innovation predominantly builds upon existing knowledge and technology to introduce incremental advancements. Occasionally, innovators make discoveries that are notably distant from what is currently understood and known. This paper expands on previous research concerning knowledge networks and innovation by proposing three primary processes for the creation of knowledge likely to result in discoveries distant from existing inventions: long search paths, scientific reasoning, and distant recombination. We explore these processes utilizing a comprehensive and unique data set encompassing outlier patents filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office USPTO alongside interviews conducted with inventors of such outlier patents.

Exploratory Analysis:

Our analysis suggests notable differences exist in the characteristics of inventor teams, assignees, and search processes resulting in outlier patents. These insights have significant implications for managers who m to foster more exploratory searches for breakthrough innovations.

Long Search Paths:

Inventors pursuing long search paths often engage with a diverse range of knowledge domns that necessitate exted periods of exploration before making their discoveries. This process may involve the incremental accumulation and synthesis of knowledge from disparate fields, leading to innovative solutions that are distant from conventional thinking.

Scientific Reasoning:

Utilizing scientific reasoning enables inventors to formulate hypotheses based on established theories and empirical evidence, facilitating a systematic approach to discovering novel concepts. This method often requires deep understanding in specialized areas and the ability to identify gaps within existing knowledge frameworks, which may prompt inventions with unprecedented characteristics.

Distant Recombination:

Inventors employing distant recombination merge seemingly unrelated elements from distinct domns to create innovative solutions. By transcing traditional boundaries, these inventors foster the emergence of breakthroughs that challenge current perspectives on innovation and technological advancement.

Implications for Managers:

Understanding these knowledge exploration processes provides valuable insights for managers looking to encourage more exploratory searches for groundbreaking innovations within their organizations. Implementing strategies that support long search paths, nurturing a scientific reasoning mindset among employees, and fostering an environment conducive to distant recombination may significantly enhance the likelihood of discovering outlier patents.

:

The findings from this paper emphasize the importance of diverse knowledge exploration processes in driving breakthrough innovation. By recognizing these distinct modes of knowledge creation and encouraging their application within organizational settings, managers can foster a culture that promotes the discovery of novel inventions far beyond current paradigms. This contributes to enhancing competitiveness, fostering technological advancement, and sustning a dynamic environment for innovation.

Citations:

Adner R., Levinthal D.A. 2008. Doing versus seeing: acts of exploitation and perceptions of exploration. Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal, 21, 43-52.

Aharonson B., Schilling M.A. 2015. Mapping the technological landscape: Measuring technology distance, technological footprints, and technology evolution. Research Policy, 45, 81-96.

Ahuja G., Katila R. 2004. Discovering new product opportunities: Knowledge sources and processes. Management Science, 507, 963-976.

References:

Felin T., Kauffman S.A. 2018. The search function and evolutionary novelty. In Journal of Evolutionary Economics Vol. 28, No. 4, pp. 747-771.

Kurzban R., Tooby J., Cosmides L. 2001. A rational theory of dispositions: Evaluating the probability and utility of future events in the evolution of decision making. Psychological Review, 1083, 495-515.

Schmitt T.W., Guttman M.S. 2007. The role of cognitive dissonance in innovation acceptance: An integrative review and research aga. Journal of Marketing Theory and Practice, 153, 289-305.

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