How Do Corporate Champions Promote Innovations?

The aim of this paper is to discuss which factors influence the impact of innovation champions on organisations. This is done by means of a systematic review of existing research. Many of the studies do not have a solid theoretical base. However, we find that resource dependency theory provides a theoretical framework in which innovation champions can be understood. We also show explicitly how other theories such as network theory, agency theory, and personal trait theory are needed in order to explain certain elements of the champions' behaviour. We propose an overall model, discuss theoretical and managerial implications of previous research, and suggest areas for future research.