Purpose The author has spent the last ten years studying the innovation process in modern organizations and found that the most successful firms pursue an innovation strategy termed technology brokering . Design/methodology/approach How are the objectives achieved? Include the main method(s) used for the research. What is the approach to the topic and what is the theoretical or subject scope of the paper? Findings Rather than chasing wholly new ideas, these successful firms focus on recombining old ideas in new ways. The results have sparked many technological revolutions and produced a steady stream of growth opportunities for existing businesses. Research limitations/implications Needs cases showing that technology brokering, and the complementary work practices and people, can successfully execute such a strategy. Practical implications By transforming traditional R&D organizations through a strategy of technology brokering firms can build competencies for continuous innovation.. Originality/value To pursue a strategy of recombinant innovation, corporate leaders must put themselves in position to be the first to see how existing technologies in one market could be used to create breakthrough innovations in another.
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Andrew Hargadon (2005) studied this question.