Intense global competition and growth in the service-based economy have made innovation central to long-term sustainability and competitiveness for developing countries. Organisations must develop business opportunities, services and systems for embracing changing markets; adopt appropriate technologies; and build channels of supply. Thus, innovation leadership must be seen as a crucial skillset to be recognised and differentiated from other management imperatives.

This is of particular relevance to developing countries such as those in the English-speaking Caribbean (ESC), where small market sizes, high public debt and the geopolitical subtleties of Caribbean countries provide a peculiar context to research issues related to innovation leadership. In this article, we explore the role of individuals in evolving a systematic approach to augment innovative outputs within their organisations. We argue that the process of innovation can be accomplished, systematised and replicated within organisations that have particular issues associated with a developing country.

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About the Author

David Parker

David Parker is lecturer at The University of Queensland Business School, Queensland, Australia.