The digital revolution has created a data-rich environment. Increasingly, firms are seeking to acquire and analyze a variety of consumer data such as online shopping, social media, and web browsing behavior to enhance their innovation activities. This approach is termed "Innovation from Data." At the same time, a growing number of consumers are gaining the ability to transform digital data into innovative physical products through the use of new tools such as audio and video editing software and 3D printing technology. This approach is termed "Innovation as Data." These two approaches differ substantially in terms of their views on the role of consumers, the relevance of firms, and the nature of products. This article introduces the concept of Innovation as Data and discusses its relation to the digital revolution in general and 3D printing in particular. In addition, it offers a set of recommendations for managers seeking to leverage this new innovation approach and ideas for scholars interested in researching this intriguing domain.
Practitioner PointsFirms are currently in the midst of a second digital revolution.This revolution will digitize physical goods much like the first digital revolution digitized information goods.Firms can employ 3D printing technology to reap the opportunities of this new revolution.
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