Antecedents of successful diffusion of breakthrough innovations past the formative phase: Perceptions of innovation-engaged practitioners

Abstract

Many promising breakthrough innovations (BTIs) fail to diffuse beyond the formative phase, adversely impacting social and economic outcomes. Why this is the case is unclear. We advance knowledge by identifying the general antecedents of innovation success - irrespective of innovation type or phase - shared between at least two of the four principal innovation theories. These shared general antecedents of success underpin a survey instrument used to identify antecedents of successful diffusion of BTIs past the formative phase and the nature of their contribution from the perspective of two different types of practitioners – innovation-engaged entrepreneurs and R&D executives. Ascertaining the views of practitioners is pertinent to determining the utility of theory and its practical applicability. Our analysis points to: (a) the practical utility of the theoretical antecedents of innovation; and (b) the disproportionate influence of some of the general antecedents of success on the diffusion of BTIs past the formative phase. We found that characteristics of interaction, legitimisation process, trust, and catalytic actors play a critical role. On the other hand, effect of formal and informal institution and power asymmetry was ambiguous. Finally, there were differences between perceptions of practitioners pointing to the importance of practitioner type as a contextual factor.