Influencing the Front-End of Innovation: A Study of Resource Challenges in The Banking Sector

Sammanfattning: Abstract Title: Influencing the Front-End of Innovation: A Study of Resource Challenges in The Banking Sector Date of Hand-in: 17/05/2017 Course: Corporate Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Internship and degree project ENTN 39 (Master’s Thesis 15 ECTS) Author: Adam Kachra-Johansson and Ross Mckinlay Supervisor: Joakim Winborg Examiner: Sotaro Shibayama Keywords: Resources, Resource challenges, Resource scarcity, Front-end of innovation, New Service Development Research Question: How do resource challenges influence the front-end of innovation in the banking industry? Methodology: An inductive approach, with deductive elements as well, was used within this case study. Semi-structured interviews were the main method of data collection, and the qualitative data analysis was done in line with Gioia et al. (2012). Theoretical Perspectives: In terms of epistemology, an interpretivist approach was utilised to allow for the potentially subjective nature of the data to be considered. The ontological considerations of this paper are centred around constructionism. Conclusions: The resource challenges - in terms of type, level and flexibility - within the case company influence several different constraints; Poor Cross-Functional Collaboration; Lack of Engagement; Limited Dynamic Development; Lack of an Efficient Structure; and Unsupportive Front-End Strategy. This study goes into a new level of depth, previously unexplored in related literature. The constraints identified can have negative effects on the output of the front-end and have various relationships with each other. These constraints can also lead to a change in working practices to mitigate their effects. The Resource Challenges Model provides a visualisation of the study’s findings.