Seamless innovation management: critical factors based on a benchmarking study of FMCG practices

This paper is based on a benchmarking study of a small number of companies operating in the fast moving consumer goods sector. The study specifically examined the major obstacles for 'seamless innovation' and the degrees of tension existing between the 'creative' and 'productive' aspects of innovation management. The paper reports on the key findings by highlighting the key factors that impinge on the effectiveness of managing innovation activity. Amongst the various key areas highlighted by this study are aspects of senior management commitment, project management issues, technology assessment issue, brand development and supply chain issues, and quality management issues.