Information networks and technological innovation for industrial products. (1st January 2001)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Richir, Simon; Taravel, Bernard; Samier, Henry
• Is Part Of: International journal of technology management. Volume 21:Number 3/4(2001)
• Page Start: 420
• Page End: 427
• Publication Date: 2001-01-01
• Subjects: internet -- engineering design -- innovation -- toy -- electronic commerce -- e-commerce; Technology -- Management -- Periodicals; 658.4062
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0267-5730

Abstract

This article is illustrated by factual industrial cases and shows how influential the generalisation of information digital exchange is on the innovation process regarding companies, from engineering design to commercialisation of industrial products. Computer networks, either internal (Intranet), "private" external (Extranet) or "public" external (Internet) make a "digital chain" of information exchange which disrupts companies' innovation process. This "digital engineering design process" allows quicker innovation in a more creative way and favours direct commercialisation of industrial products which may be kept virtual (in a digital form) throughout the design process. It allows for design as well as marketing of these industrial products thanks to electronic commerce. Thus, toy manufacturers are asking themselves about the relevance of selling their products directly through the internet without any commercial retailer.