Table 4 Innovation theories related to each innovation phase

Introduction (mapping the journey), organizational culture, organizational identity (organizational theory), slack resources, stretch goals, absorptive capacity, vicarious learning, disruptive innovation, transactional cost theory, the end of competitive advantage. Additional: eldercare theory, design thinking, blue ocean strategy

Firm individual strategy

Innovation strategy

Open innovation, user-driven lead innovation, service innovation (SDL), motivation (individual, group, and organizational), psychological safety, slack resources, team composition re-organizing the team, generating movement in discussions, and network propinquity (regional and relational)

In-house idea generation;

In-house cross-pollination;

External sourcing of ideas

Idea generation

Ambidexterity (exploitation and exploration), impact of management on innovation, and architectural modular innovation. Additional: eldercare theory

Selection & development

Conversion

Open innovation, organizational periphery, organizational learning, network propinquity (regional and relational), motivation (individual, groups, and organizations), and roles of managers

Diffusion

Diffusion