eThesis - School of Business electronic theses

Objectives of the study

Innovation promotion is an important part of technological development and a crucial factor for the effective diffusion of innovations. Many of the current important social challenges are connected to urban environments and demand new innovative solutions. Therefore, there is a clear need to find new ways to speed up the dissemination and scalability of urban innovations to a larger scale than earlier.

The objective of this study is to discuss the factors which affect the scalability of urban innovations and find out different means to improve the scaling-up process based on the literature review. Furthermore, the goal is to identify the role of value networks and network management in the successful implementation of urban innovations. Empirical objectives are to examine through interviews the role of network management in the loft construction process as well as in business transformation.

Academic background and methodology

This study provides an overview of urban innovations and scaling-up literature, considering loft construction as an urban innovation and a subject for case study. The study uses a qualitative case study approach to find answers to the research questions. The problems are approached via a literature review which gives the basis for identifying the factors and elements of scaling-up urban innovations. Interviews are chosen as a primary method of data collection and targeted mainly to cover professionals in the loft construction process.

Findings and conclusions

As a result, the determinants of scalability of urban innovations were identified and key factors for successful scaling-up were presented. The research concluded that the scalability of urban innovations is a complex process which demands support from many different actors during a long lasting process. The essential role of networks and proper network management are emphasized especially in the planning and initial phases of the scaling-up processes of new innovations. In business transformation, the role of management is dependent on the nature of transformation and company's gained knowledge of the new business area.