An examination of product innovation in low- and medium-technology industries: Cases from the UK packaged food sector

Abstract

This study deepens our knowledge of organisational routines and activities in the innovation process of low- and medium-technology (LMT) industries. To accomplish this, it explores how the innovation process in the packaged foods sector of the UK food industry depends on a learning- by-doing, by using and by interacting (DUI) mode of innovation including activities such as technology adaptation and the use of external firm sources. The empirical analysis is based on four case studies of new product innovation taken from a cross section of the packaged foods sector. Our findings support the view that LMT industries rely on non- formal Research and Development (R&D) activities such as firm interaction and shared experiences. We develop a set of propositions which help to explore evidence in practice of how these external sources influence the innovation process. Our research contributes to theory in the areas of innovation processes in low- and medium-technology (LMT) industries and DUI industrial modes of innovation.