10. Organizing Product Development Activities

This chapter focuses on the operational aspects of managing innovation and product development activities, emphasizing the need for ad hoc organizational structures tailored to these activities. It discusses the unique challenges posed by innovation activities, such as their high knowledge intensity and the involvement of actors from different corporate functions. The chapter also explores the balance between communication flows and functional specialization in organizational design, highlighting the role of technological gatekeepers and innovators. Additionally, it delves into the impact of physical and virtual workspaces on communication and collaboration, and the suitability of different organizational forms for various types of innovation projects. The chapter concludes by discussing the importance of staffing considerations, including the balance between individual competencies and team diversity, in ensuring project success.