Integration of market pull and technology push in the corporate front end and innovation management-Insights from the German software industry

Within the framework of this paper, an extensive literature overview of technology and innovation management aspects on market pull and technology push will be given. The existing classification of market pull and technology push will be particularly shown and called into question by suggesting a conceptual framework. Additionally, the most common front end innovation models will be introduced. Finally, the authors will introduce how a technology-based service company is managing the connection of these two alternatives. A special focus will be laid on the accordant methods in order to search for current market needs and new related technologies. The selected case study will focus on one of Germany's biggest and most successful software development and information technology service providers. Based on interviews, document analysis, and practical applications, an advanced conceptual framework will be introduced as to how market pull and technology push activities within the corporate technology and innovation management can be integrated. Hence, the purpose of the paper is to introduce a theory-based conceptual framework that can be used in today's corporate environment. In this context, technology managers may use the results as a conceptual mirror, especially regarding the influencing factors of innovation impulses and the use of interdisciplinary teams (with people from inside and outside the company) to accomplish successful corporate technology and innovation management. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.