Goffin, KeithSzwejczewski, MarekSweeney, MichaelNew, Colin2011-05-172011-05-172000-01-01Keith Goffin, Marek Szwejczewski, Michael Sweeney, Colin New. Product innovation in UK manufacturing companies. International Journal of Manufacturing Technology and Management, Vol. 2(1-7), 2000, pp.620-6320267-5730http://dx.doi.org/10.1504/IJMTM.2000.001367http://dspace.lib.cranfield.ac.uk/handle/1826/4190In many sectors of the manufacturing industry, product innovation is an important way for companies to achieve competitive advantage. Regular introductions of new products can be essential, especially in fast-moving markets. But how often do companies introduce new products? A database of UK manufacturing plants was analysed to determine the innovation rates and typical product development times in specific industry sectors. The results show a wide spread in the development times and innovation rates even within closely defined sectors - implying that some companies are particularly efficient at product innovation whereas others need to improve. In addition, the research identifies a number of key areas of innovation, which require further investigation, both within the UK and on an international basis.en-UKcycle timesnew product developmentproduct innovationUK manufacturingArticle