The motivation of innovators to form informal communication networks

Summary form only given as follows. Networking has become an important part of the innovation process. New product formulation teams have used systematic informal networking with innovators in the information technology industry in order to formulate new product ideas. It has been questioned as to why these innovators agree to informally network with these teams. This study examined the motivation behind innovators agreeing to network with others in their industry. Data from 103 innovators in the imaging technology industry was collected. Ninety (87%) of the innovators contacted agreed to informally network in the scenario presented. The agreeing innovators were classified using the following model: leading edge suppliers versus those that had instigated informal networking before (proactive innovators) versus those that had not instigated informal networking before (reactive innovators). Significant differences were found between the motivations of leading edge suppliers, proactive innovators, and reactive innovators. The implications for new product development teams are outlined.