Unlocking the Secrets of Radical Innovation Leadership - An Exploration of the Leadership Practices that Drive Radical Innovation within Organizations

Abstract: Innovation is essential for companies to distinguish themselves from competitors and fulfill customers' evolving needs, resulting in increased market share and financial performance. Research in academic literature has acknowledged the significance of leadership in promoting innovation within an organization. Radical innovation, in particular, has numerous potential benefits, such as enabling companies to differentiate themselves, gain new customers, and enter new markets. While there is extensive research on the relationship between innovation and leadership practices, there is a gap in the literature concerning the relationship between leadership practices and radical innovation. Thus, the authors of this study aim to investigate this relationship and identify any differences between the practices of leaders who foster general innovation and those who foster radical innovation. The research question for this study is: - What leadership practices are required in fostering radical innovation within a firm, and how do these practices differ from those used to foster incremental innovation? The study began with an extensive literature search, where eight different types of leadership practices were discovered. Subsequently, seven in-depth interviews were conducted with various companies and experts. The empirical results suggest four leadership practices that are required in promoting radical innovation. The innovation structure and design creative teams are crucial for radical innovation. But also establishing internal and external collaborations as well as having a straight and clear vision in which direction the company is heading.