When Deviation Leads to Innovation: Dealing with Unsolicited Software Development
Posted: 3 May 2012
Date Written: February 1, 2012
Abstract
Products and services offered by a firm are often used in unexpected ways. For the firm this poses a dilemma: it does not want to stifle creativity, but it does not want to loose control either. Software, being easy to copy, is even harder to control. The cases of Wifi-Sync for iPhone and Freeplayer mods for Freebox show that it can be beneficial to turn a blind eye to deviant behavior temporarily as long as the main offer can be disassociated from these activities and interesting user innovations resulting from the behavior can be appropriated in future versions.
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
den Besten, Matthijs L., When Deviation Leads to Innovation: Dealing with Unsolicited Software Development (February 1, 2012). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2050386
Feedback
Feedback to SSRN
If you need immediate assistance, call 877-SSRNHelp (877 777 6435) in the United States, or +1 212 448 2500 outside of the United States, 8:30AM to 6:00PM U.S. Eastern, Monday - Friday.