Management of the fuzzy front end of innovation, by Oliver Gassman and Fiona Schweitzer

This book review examines 'Management of the fuzzy front end of innovation' edited by Oliver Gassmann and Fiona Schweitzer. The inadequate management of the early innovation phase if commonly referred to as the fuzzy front end (FFE); empirical research suggests the FFE is essential to successful innovation, but management continues to have difficulty designing this stage. This book aims to address this issue by presenting practical explanations, tools and examples of how to manage and implement the FFE of the innovation process. The research draws upon a wide range of knowledge within the field of innovation management and includes contributions by key scholars and practitioners in accessible language. The integration of empirical research with practical case studies makes the book a unique and compelling read which achieves its primary objective of explaining the FFE and the impact its effective management can have on innovation outcomes.