Work

Stage-Oriented Risk Classification in New Product Development: A Systematic Literature Review

Year: 2026

Type: review

Abstract: Each of the stages of the New Product Development (NPD) process is vulnerable to different forms of risk. The existing categorizations of these risks are partial, ill-defined, or lack depth. Deploying a systematic literature review methodology, we identify 65 empirical studies that identify sources of risk in NPD. Synthesizing this information, we develop a broad, meaningful, and recognizable taxonomy with five main categories of risk, each with a number of sub-categories. It also takes into consideration the increasingly significant role of sustainability-oriented innovation, including how environmental, technological, and operational risks interact in influencing sustainable performance and resilience in NPD systems. This taxonomy is then used to identify the existing risks inherent in each stage of the NPD process, revealing areas for future research and the applicability of the taxonomy for resolving current issues in NPD risk management theory and practice. Linking the issues of NPD risks with sustainability challenges, this study contributes to innovation management theory and the sustainable development of new products.

Source: Sustainability

DOI: 10.3390/su18073265

Authors: Muhammad Akram, Colin Pilbeam, Abroon Qazi, M.K.S. Al-Mhdawi, Abdul Rahman Afzal

Institutions: Abertay University, Cranfield University, American University of Sharjah, Teesside University, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals

Language: English

Topic: Product Development and Customization

Subfield: Management of Technology and Innovation

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896

Funder: American University of Sharjah