Constructing innovative users and user-inclusive innovation communities

Abstract

This paper reconceptualises the topical issue of user involvement in innovation. We argue that there is more to user involvement than the mechanistic application of methods and tools. Drawing on four case studies, we explore the range of configurations that user-inclusive innovation communities can encompass. We show that user involvement is not a panacea for innovation, and that there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ method. Nor is the ability to contribute to innovation an inherent quality of the users themselves. It is constituted by the actions of the producer company in fostering interaction and in responding to users’ initiatives. Companies interested in user-inclusive innovation are recommended to closely consider how knowledge sharing between users and producers evolves, what artefacts can serve as mediating representations, and what challenges there are to aligning divergent interests.

Keywords:

• user
• innovation
• innovation community
• community of practice