Innovation in retail: management, organization and governance for long-term competitiveness

Important results from the project

The purpose of the research project has been to contribute to the development of innovation capabilities of retail trade as well as to contribute to retail and innovation management theory by looking into the central themes of: how to organise for more radical innovation (structure), management control (metrics), and organisational climate (culture). The project has thereby been able to contribute to an increased understanding of retail-specific approaches for enabling radical innovation, as well as a broader understanding of these three central areas in innovation management.

Expected long term effects

The results provide an in-depth understanding of the structural, control, and cultural parameters that enable radical innovation within established organisations. For retail, these include establishing differentiated structures, governance through e.g., non-financial metrics at project and organisational level, and culture that promotes freedom and risk-taking. The outcome has been summarised in three scientific articles and a popular science publication that are expected to contribute to knowledge in innovation management and increased retail innovation capability.

Approach and implementation

The project used a qualitative research approach and was carried out by researchers from Lund University (LTH and the School of Economics) and KTH, 2019-2022, in collaboration with three established Swedish retailers. The project has been divided into different stages and alternated empirical work (interviews and observations), theoretical development and analysis using innovation management and retail research. During the project, feedback sessions with the partner retailers have been central to creating opportunities for learning and knowledge sharing.

External links

Innovation management in retail: How do you create the preconditions for innovation in retail?