May the Force of Innovation Be With You - Management Innovation in a Swedish Context

Abstract: Background and problem Ever increasing rivalry intensity puts pressure on organizations to constantly find new ways to differentiate and create sustainable competitive advantages. Innovation is a key instrument to increase complexity and stay on the cutting edge. Innovation focus is generally first and foremost directed to technological innovation, and non-technological innovation tends to be neglected. However, as the technological race tightens interest and need for non-technological innovation grows and it becomes a strategic tool for competitiveness and economic development. Purpose The purpose of this study is to extend understanding of how innovation of management practices, processes and techniques is present in innovative Swedish organizations. This is carried out by exploration of how management innovation can be an inseparable part of innovation management and change management. Focus is directed to the role of internal change agents who act as catalyst of innovation. Method The empirical material in this study has been collected through qualitative interviews with suitable representatives at a number of selected corporations active on the Swedish market. Collected material is analysed and compared to the theoretical framework in order to identify similarities, as well as disparities, between how management innovation is described in theory and practice. Results and conclusion Elements of management innovation could be identified in all cases studies for this research although it was not explicitly referred to as management innovation. Empirical material provides examples of how the concept is rather seen as an integrated and interrelated part of innovative work and that technological and non-technological innovation co-evolve.