The development of control software for flexible manufacturing systems by British Aerospace, Warton: A case history of user‐initiated product innovation

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Several studies of success and failure in industrial new product development have demonstrated that, in order to be effective innovators, manufacturers must appreciate thoroughly the needs and behaviour of potential users. Attention has also been focused on the needs for precise and adequate communication between producers and customers during the innovative process and for close interaction between buyers and sellers at all stages. This case study reports on the strategic, managerial and organisational issues that arose from the decision by a user‐innovator to exploit his invention commercially as a product innovation. It describes the development of a control system for flexible manufacturing technology by a major international aerospace manufacturer.