On the Concept of Exnovation – A Call for a Rebirth of the Concept, and for Exnovation Theory and Practice
Year: 2020
Type: other
Abstract: John Kimberly introduced the term "exnovation" in 1981, defining it essentially as the removal of an innovation from an organization in order to provide space for new innovation(s).Unfortunately, the term has not achieved prominent status in the management vocabulary.Other terms, such as elimination, termination, abandonment, disinvestment or unlearning are frequently used to describe essentially the same phasing out phenomenon.On the other hand, many authors who are using the term exnovation are referring to phenomena that differ from what Kimberly had in mind.There seems to be an urgent need for either abandoning the concept of exnovation, or give it a re-birth.The rate of innovation and change in society, and the need for transitions to more sustainable products and processes, suggest that a re-birth may be appropriate.In the present article we suggest a redefinition of the exnovation concept; we suggest sunk cost-theory as a default, rational-economic criterion for exnovation decisions; we further identify cognitive, emotional, and behavioral barriers to exnovtion, and we identify de-biasing approaches to exnovation decisions.We also suggest areas for further research and improved practice.
Authors: Jonny Holbek, Harald Knudsen
Language: English
Subfield: Management of Technology and Innovation
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W3042992039