Episode 49 - Eric Rose on How to Turn Innovation Management and New Product Development into a Revenue Growth Superpower
Summary
In this episode of the Industrial Growth Institute podcast, Ed Marsh and Eric Rose, a product innovation expert, delve into the critical role of new product innovation in driving business growth.
They explore the concept of 'market anguish'—the frustrations consumers face with existing products—and how understanding this anguish can lead to successful product development. Eric shares insights from his extensive experience in product innovation, emphasizing the importance of qualitative research and stakeholder engagement.
The conversation also touches on:
- the balance between creativity and realism in product ideation
- evolution of manufacturing processes
- the multifaceted world of product innovation, particularly within the context of industrial manufacturing
- ideation techniques
- challenges of product innovation
- the integration of product management with innovation efforts.
They explore the role of product innovation in corporate strategy, the significance of licensing intellectual property, and the commitment to STEM education. The discussion also touches on expert witness work in product liability, the impact of reshoring on innovation, and the implications of AI in product development.
Finally, they address pricing strategies and resources for product innovation, culminating in key takeaways for industrial manufacturers.
Takeaways
- New product innovation is essential for business growth.
- Market anguish reflects consumer frustrations with existing products.
- Qualitative research is crucial for understanding market needs.
- Stakeholder engagement can reveal hidden opportunities.
- Balancing creativity with realism is key in product development.
- Successful innovation requires a sustained R&D effort.
- Understanding the end-user experience drives product success.
- Ethnographic research can uncover valuable insights.
- Companies can innovate without hiring external experts.
- Effective brainstorming can lead to breakthrough ideas. Innovative ideation requires a no-criticism approach.
- Changing manufacturing processes can lead to significant product innovation.
- Companies often limit themselves to their existing markets.
- Staying aware of market changes is crucial for survival.
- Identifying societal and technological trends can drive innovation.
- Product management and innovation should work closely together.
- Planning is essential to avoid financial pitfalls in product development.
- Product innovation should have representation at the executive level.
- Most patents go unused, highlighting the need for strategic monetization.
- Looking outside the organization can uncover new growth opportunities.
Takeaway Quotes from Eric Rose
- "Product management and innovation should be hand in hand."
- "95% of all patents in the US are never monetized."
- "Look outside the box for growth opportunities."
Check out Eric's Pinnacle Product Innovation website.
LinkedIn: Eric Rose and Ed Marsh
Twitter: Ed Marsh
Instagram: Ed Marsh
YouTube: @EdMarsh
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Growth and Innovation 02:53 Understanding Market Anguish 11:23 The Role of Research in Product Development 19:33 Navigating Innovation in Industrial Manufacturing 27:11 Case Study: Workplace Safety Devices 34:19 Balancing Creativity and Realism in Innovation 36:37 Innovative Ideation Techniques 39:06 The Challenge of Product Innovation 41:28 Integrating Product Management and Innovation 45:06 The Role of Product Innovation in Corporate Strategy 47:51 Navigating the Innovation Process 51:50 Licensing and Monetizing Intellectual Property 53:51 Commitment to STEM Education 56:51 Expert Witness Work in Product Liability 01:00:09 Reshoring and Its Impact on Innovation 01:01:28 The Role of AI in Product Development 01:08:41 Pricing Strategies in Product Innovation 01:10:33 Resources for Product Innovation 01:12:21 Key Takeaways for Industrial Manufacturers© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.
