Finding Commercially Attractive User Innovations: A Test of Lead‐User Theory^*

Nikolaus Franke, Eric von Hippel, Martin Schreier · 2006 · Journal of Product Innovation Management

Summary. This study tests lead-user theory by analyzing kite-surfing enthusiasts who modified equipment. The researchers found that both key components of lead-user theory—high expected benefits and being ahead of trends—independently predict which user innovations become commercially attractive products. Adding measures of users' local resources further improved identification of valuable innovations. The findings confirm lead-user theory's core principles and provide practical guidance for firms seeking to commercialize user-developed innovations.

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@article{franke-2006-finding-commercially-attractive-user-innovations,
  title   = {Finding Commercially Attractive User Innovations: A Test of Lead‐User Theory<sup>*</sup>},
  author  = {Nikolaus Franke and Eric von Hippel and Martin Schreier},
  journal = {Journal of Product Innovation Management},
  year    = {2006},
  doi     = {10.1111/j.1540-5885.2006.00203.x},
  url     = {https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-5885.2006.00203.x}
}

TY  - JOUR
TI  - Finding Commercially Attractive User Innovations: A Test of Lead‐User Theory<sup>*</sup>
AU  - Nikolaus Franke
AU  - Eric von Hippel
AU  - Martin Schreier
JO  - Journal of Product Innovation Management
PY  - 2006
DO  - 10.1111/j.1540-5885.2006.00203.x
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-5885.2006.00203.x
ER  - 

Details

DOI

10.1111/j.1540-5885.2006.00203.x

Countries

Austria, United States

Regions

Europe, North America

Categories

innovation-theory, entrepreneurship, general-innovation

Added

2026-04-28