Technology innovation, human resources and dysfunctional integration

Abstract

The case included in this paper is based on a real life case in Ericsson Denmark. The innovation project is described from its start in summer 1997 to the end of 2001. This is a unique case study in more than one respect. The first author has collected the data and written all the logbooks during his employment in a new business development department (BDD) at Ericsson Denmark. Secondly, the study covers all phases and aspects of the innovation process, from inception to field trials. Thirdly, it represents a radical innovation (The Home Communication Concept) based on a disruptive technology (Internet technology), which transcends the traditional business of the company in question. It illustrates what goes wrong when innovative human resources do not succeed in becoming integrated into the rest of the host organization and therefore may become trapped by their own passion in a position as self-righteous missionaries. In closing, implications for research and management are addressed.