Competitive Innovation Management - by J Christiansen (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

This book answers the question of how to improve the innovation performance of large companies. It discusses how a wide range of management systems and practices impact innovation performance. Having observed a number of management teams that were trying to improve innovation performance, the author describes the most effective ways to do this. He looks at what management systems to change first, how to change them, and who to involve in the process. Finally, he discusses how the ideal innovation system differs across industries and how managers should take industry differences into account as they work to improve their innovation systems.

Review Quotes

'Christiansen's books are good! I am fond of saying that most business books are simply an article that has been stretched to book length for the convenience of the author. Nothing could be further from the truth in this case. Christiansen's books are packed with insights and examples and are quite tightly written. The use of clinical data is quite elegant and is pitched at exactly the right level. I found myself feeling incredibly 'proud.' While I had nothing to do with Christiansen's work, it felt good to have had an association with someone whose work is of this calibre.' - Michael Brimm, Professor of Organizational Behaviour, INSEAD

'Christiansen captures the key managerial issues and tools in the fostering of innovation and defines managerial roles and tasks in a very insightful and useful way. A key readling for senior executives who worry about how to make their firms more innovative.' - Yves Doz, Timken Chaired Professor of Global Technology and Innovation, INSEAD

'Business leaders know if their companies fail to innovate, they are doomed. Christiansen explores the complexity of the innovation system and shows what makes it tick. He writes convincingly that it is possible to improve the innovation performance of virtually any company.' - Gary E. McGraw, Vice President, Technological Innoation, Eastman Chemical Company

'This book is about creating a culture of innovation. Chrsitansen's approach to the issue will strike a chord with experienced executives. It is practical, actionable and designed to help us to make effective improvements to our innovation system.' - from the preface by Xavier Mosquet, Senior Vice President, Boston Consulting Group

About the Author

JAMES CHRISTIANSEN has a Masters Degree and MBA from the University of Chicago and a Ph.D in Management from INSEAD. He has worked as a consultant for the Boston Consulting Group and Bain and Company and currently works as a Manager for Renaissance Worldwide in London and Paris.