Innovation strategies for successful product and process commercialization in Government R&D

This study examines the rate at which product and process innovations emerging from Government R&D have been commercialized by the Irish dairy industry. Success rates for both product and process commercialization, which are high by international standards, were found. The study identifies two criteria which appear to influence success and failure. Some product and process differences were found and the data suggest that a user dominated innovation strategy may be best for products, while a technology dominated strategy appears to be best for process innovations. Remarkably high rates for product success can be achieved in Government R&D provided industry activates the R&D. On the other hand R&D activation by research staff, without any industry involvement in the conduct of the R&D, appears to have a very poor chance of success. However, research staff can activate and achieve high success rates, particularly for process innovations, provided industry involvement in the R&D is secured.