Innovate within product lines or outside of them? An ethnographic study of corporate innovation in a corporate venture makerspace.

Abstract

Throughout my Ph.D., I received support and encouragement from many. Although only a few are mentioned here by name, I am sincerely grateful for each. I would like to thank Dr. Ryan Quinn, my chair. I learned more from you than I can possibly articulate. Thank you for your patience, encouragement, time, and willingness to see me through this process. Dr. Kristen Lucas, thank you for introducing me to and instructing me in qualitative research, giving me the opportunity to engage in research as an MBA student, and for encouraging me in so many ways. Dr. Robert Garrett, thank you for always being available to answer questions, provide advice, and reassure. And Dr. Howard Aldrich, thank you for your encouragement to conduct a dissertation on this topic, invaluable insights, and for exposing me to institutional theory. I am grateful to Dr. Jim Fiet who has invested so much in me and in the doctoral program. I would also like to thank the School of Graduate and Interdisciplinary Studies, the College of Business, and the Forcht Center for Entrepreneurship. To all the staff and faculty who have made this journey achievable, thank you! This dissertation would not have been possible without the cooperation, kindness, and time of all those at MakerHub. I would like to thank the management team for allowing me to conduct my dissertation there in the first place. Also, I would like to thank those who were always willing to answer questions, offer information, and provide context around actions and behaviors, particularly Bob, Ray, and Jean. iv This Ph.D. would not have happened without the encouragement of my family, particularly my mom and dad as well as the support of my in-laws, Tim and Judy Grogan. Lastly, I am grateful for the love of my wife, Claire, and our children, Jack and Ann.