The Six Parallel Vectors of IT Innovation

We describe the pathway from innovation to diffusion with a set of six parallel vectors that begin with a vision and end with a measured result. On the one hand, these vectors, shown in Figure 3.2, are ordered as phases in the creation and absorption of IT innovations. At the same time, and more importantly, the vectors operate in parallel. Later phases often cause rethinking of early ones. For example, the proof-of-concept prototype is likely to change the vision of the new idea. Or, an unfavorable business case may call for additional prototyping.