Managing Imitation Strategies

Managing Imitation Strategies

Succeed with an imitation strategy.

Author(s): Steven P. Schnaars

Publisher: The Free Press

Date of publication: 1993

Manageris opinion

Innovation is traditionally presented as essential to the growth of a business, with Sony and 3M as emblematic examples. However, observation shows that in practice, innovation is not necessarily the surest nor the only path to success. Indeed, Imitation may be quicker and more certain, and an attractive alternative to in-house innovation.

• What are the respective advantages of in-house innovation as opposed to imitation?
• What strategies can help copycats do better than innovators?