Lead-User Research for Breakthrough Innovation

Ivy Eisenberg · 2011 · Research-Technology Management

Summary. Lead-user research identifies customers whose needs and preferences lead the market, rather than typical users. These lead users modify products creatively to solve their problems. The paper reviews how this systematic method, developed in the late 1990s, has evolved and been adapted using online tools and communities. Lessons from over 20 projects show how companies can capture innovations from these advanced users to develop breakthrough products and services.

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@article{eisenberg-2011-lead-user-research-breakthrough-innovation,
  title   = {Lead-User Research for Breakthrough Innovation},
  author  = {Ivy Eisenberg},
  journal = {Research-Technology Management},
  year    = {2011},
  doi     = {10.1080/08956308.2011.11657673},
  url     = {https://doi.org/10.1080/08956308.2011.11657673}
}

TY  - JOUR
TI  - Lead-User Research for Breakthrough Innovation
AU  - Ivy Eisenberg
JO  - Research-Technology Management
PY  - 2011
DO  - 10.1080/08956308.2011.11657673
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1080/08956308.2011.11657673
ER  - 

Details

DOI

10.1080/08956308.2011.11657673

Countries

France

Regions

Europe

Categories

innovation-theory, innovation-networks, general-innovation

Added

2026-04-28