Market Research in Innovation

Market research plays a crucial role in new product development and innovation. It helps companies understand the needs and preferences of their target market, identify potential opportunities for new products, and gather valuable insights that can inform the development process.

The Marketing Research Process

There are several steps involved in the market research process:

• Define the research objectives: This involves identifying the specific information that the company wants to gather through the research, such as the size and demographics of the target market, their needs and wants, and any potential barriers to adoption.
• Determine the research design: This involves deciding on the methods and techniques that will be used to collect data, such as surveys, focus groups, or online research.
• Collect and analyze data: This involves gathering data from various sources, such as primary research (e.g. interviews, surveys) or secondary research (e.g. industry reports, government statistics). The data is then analyzed to identify trends, patterns, and insights that can inform the development of the new product.
• Present the findings: The results of the market research are typically presented in a report or presentation to key stakeholders, such as the product development team, management, and investors.

Limitations of Market Research in Innovation

There are a few limitations and drawbacks to using market research in innovation:

• Time and cost: Conducting market research can be time-consuming and expensive, especially if it involves primary research methods such as surveys or focus groups.
• Limited scope: Market research typically focuses on the needs and preferences of the target market, but it may not capture other factors that can impact the success of a new product, such as technological changes or shifts in consumer behavior.
• Bias: Market research can be subject to bias, either from the way the research is conducted or from the respondents themselves. For example, survey respondents may not accurately represent the target market, or they may not provide honest answers due to social desirability bias.
• Unforeseen events: Market research is based on current data and trends, but it may not account for unforeseen events that could impact the success of a new product. For example, a natural disaster or a global pandemic could significantly disrupt market conditions.

To learn how leading Fortune Global 500 companies such as ABB, Bosch, Google, Samsung, and NetApp have used Innomantra's Functional Innovation Methodology to turbocharge their idea management process, schedule a meeting today at calendly.com/innomantra.