Executive Summary (This is a document excerpt)

Innovation remains a key focus for companies seeking to spur growth. Competitors, consumers, and new government regulations compel firms to accelerate their rates of innovation in products, services, and business models. The growing demand for innovation has initiated the creation of a new global market ecosystem that Forrester calls "Innovation Networks." Through Innovation Networks, firms seamlessly weave internally and externally available invention and innovation services to optimize the profitability of their products, services, and business models. Forrester's coverage of Innovation Networks helps companies solicit and harness external talent, expertise, and ideas worldwide; identify and capture global collaborative opportunities; and maximize profitability through new ventures.