ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the concept of user innovation and the importance of including different stakeholder voices in the creative process. User innovation can also be born out of frustration. Studies of ‘hidden innovation’ suggest that a significant and growing number of people are involved in such innovation and it accounts for a surprising number of new ideas. User innovation is beginning to challenge the conventional view of how the innovation process operates. One of the key lessons about successful innovation is the need to get close to the customer. Sometimes user-led innovation involves a community which creates and uses innovative solutions on a continuing basis. Knowledge-sharing and innovation tend to be more collective and collaborative than idea competitions.
