Alternative Views of Momentum: How Experience Shapes Temporal Consistency of Ongoing Innovation

This study of the path-dependent nature of innovation examines momentum processes in organizations. The traditional momentum literature argues that innovation experience creates organizational routines that increase the propensity to introduce innovations of the same type. Empirical research has found support for this acceleration form of momentum. More recent work raises methodological concerns about the acceleration results, while advancing deceleration arguments that suggest that prior innovations may reduce the need for subsequent innovation. This study argues that we need a broader view of momentum, focusing specifically on momentum in the form of temporal consistency of ongoing innovation. This view reflects the idea that firms have temporal targets for many of their innovative activities. To explore this expanded view of momentum, we examine how innovation experience facilitates the propensity and temporal consistency of ongoing innovation, while also considering how broader business experience as reflected in increasing organizational age may inhibit temporal consistency of ongoing innovation. Our analyses of generational product innovation in business productivity software support the more expansive view of momentum that includes temporal consistency. The results also suggest that both the acceleration and deceleration forms of momentum arise, depending upon the degree of consistency within historical patterns of innovation release. The findings have implications for studies of momentum and innovation, as well as for the broader organizational routines literature. key words: momentum, innovation, temporal dynamics, organizational routines