Innovation in acceptable doses: problems of supplementing educational technology innovations in firms

This paper gives the interim results of a research study of innovation in educational technology, and of obstacles to such innovation, based on interviews with senior management in 160 major firms. The special characteristics of innovation in this area are considered, including the duality between hardware and software, and the need to proceed by large steps. An analysis is made of the nature and sources of resistance to innovation, and of the possible means of overcoming it, including 'gatekeeper' activities. It is concluded that simple analyses and solutions are unlikely to be successful, and that a multi-dimensional approach is required.