Date of Conferral

2016

Degree

Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.)

School

Business Administration

Advisor

Matthew Knight

Abstract

Strategies for commercialization of a new product innovation are critical for gaining a sustainable level of customer acceptance and financial performance. The purpose of this single case study was to explore the commercialization strategies used by 5 technology development marketing leaders from a healthcare company in Washington state. The conceptual framework for this study was commercialization of innovation theory (CoI). The data were collected through semistructured interviews and company documentation, and analyzed using Yin's 5-step data analysis process for case studies to identify and code themes. Analysis of data generated 3 major themes: strategies implemented during the prelaunch phase, strategies implemented during the pilot customer phase, and strategies implemented in the broader market launch phase of the CoI process. The results of this study revealed the set of commercialization decisions made by technology development marketing leaders in the case, the phase in which the CoI process-specific strategies were implemented, and some of the pitfalls of commercializing an innovation, especially a radical innovation. Results indicated the challenges with being a first-mover and having unclear positioning, branding, and messaging strategies. It is essential for technology development marketing leaders to gain a deeper understanding of the strategies that might influence commercial success and failure. Findings may contribute to social change by maximizing commercial success and the diffusion of new product innovations in healthcare, which might lead to better patient outcomes and enhanced ways of practicing medicine.

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