Novelty and scope of process innovation: The role of related and unrelated manufacturing experience

The accumulation of experience that occurs with production is likely to impact an organization's ability develop manufacturing process innovations. However, how different types relate the characteristics innovation output open question. In this study, we investigate a firm's accumulated related and unrelated experiences are associated innovate its methods. To characterize firms' observe their portfolios patented inventions, which qualitatively evaluate over time, through unique collaboration expert patent attorneys, along two critical dimensions: novelty scope. We argue leads better understanding parts focal product's technological landscape will allow development inventions broader it may also contribute inertia in might restrict innovative activity more familiar regions landscape, thereby limiting inventions' novelty. Conversely, products product expected stimulate support search includes distant would lead novel inventions. Yet, application require additional exploratory effort not-well-understood region resulting limited line our hypotheses, find (unrelated) positively (negatively) scope, negatively (positively) addition supporting relevance multi-dimensional evaluation innovations, findings provide practical guidance regarding strategic implications knowledge management. This article protected by copyright. All rights reserved