ABSTRACTStudies show that one of the most important factors for innovation success is that leaderssupport and involve in innovation efforts. Even though radical innovation is essential forlong-term success, and that radical innovation requires different managerial approaches thanincremental innovation, little attention has been paid to the relationship between leaders andradical innovation. This study aims to focus on this particular relationship from the viewpointof large Swedish manufacturing companies. The main purpose in this qualitativebenchmarking study is to investigate what leadership practices that stimulate radicalinnovation and to give SKF, the project sponsor, recommendations out of the findings.Leadership in this context refers to a fusion of traditional leadership and managementapproaches. Empirical findings demonstrate that it is necessary to establish an innovationprocess specifically for radical innovation. Additionally, a culture where risk and failure isaccepted is essential for radical innovation success, and it is beneficial to define the conceptof radical innovation, not only related to technology and products but also comprising thewhole company. Findings also show that communicating a clear direction of whereinnovation is desired, educating about innovation, and providing time and financial resourcesfor innovation are all important leadership practices in order to stimulate radical innovation.
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