The professionalization of innovation management: Evolution and implications
Peter Robbins, Gina Colarelli O'Connor
kHUB post date: December 19, 2023
Originally published: March 20, 2023 (PDMA JPIM • Vol 40, Issue 5 • September 2023)
Read time: 40 minutes
Access the Full Article
Just over two decades ago, in a Perspective article in the Journal of Product Innovation Management (JPIM), Tomkovick and Miller, called for the professionalization of new product development (NPD). Professionalization of innovation management (as the broader function in which NPD is embedded) was posited to require a combination of scientific knowledge coupled with specific expertise. We revisit that call to (1) assess whether innovation management has established itself as a formal, professional function similar to human resources or marketing, and (2) critically discuss whether (and if so, how) the professionalization of innovation management impacts both academic research and professional practice in the field. We suggest four tests as hallmarks of a profession and apply them to the emerging field of innovation management. Based on our findings, we propose a set of actions for innovation management academics and practitioners. We also recommend directions for future research to promote discussion on this topic within the JPIM community.
Practitioner points
- Innovation management has now cleared the hurdles to becoming an emerging corporate profession in the same way that marketing or human resources have done in the past.
- Previously, hiring managers saw experience as the defining qualification for a role in innovation management. Now, the development of a codified body of knowledge in innovation management (e.g., the ISO 56002 Guide Standard) as well as the widening provision of specialist courses, will expand the selection criteria for innovation roles.
- The professional designation for innovation management should lead to it having a louder voice and greater influence in organizational strategy.
- Professional status will also encourage organizations to develop more sophisticated role descriptions, performance criteria, and career pathways which will, in the long run, increase organizational innovation capability.
- More and better academic research should be possible with a verifiably competent and professional innovation manager identifiable in organizations.