Low-Cost versus Innovation - Contrasting Outsourcing and Integration Strategies in Manufacturing is a great breakdown on two outsourcing strategies; low-cost-oriented outsourcing and innovation-oriented outsourcing. Pro’s and cons are discussed and empirical evidence evaluated at a number of firms. An excellent breakdown!
Communication between R&D and company leadership can be difficult as they speak almost different languages but there are ways to mitigate and smooth the waves to focus on ROI creation. The Politics of Creativity - Four Domains for Inquiry and Action by Leaders in R&D identifies 4 key domains that will lead to a more efficient dialogue between the roles and promote productivity.
For studies in sustainability, Consumer Product Attachment - Measurement and Design Implications cannot be a better primer. Detailing the issue of what shapes long term attachments between consumers and durable goods. Identifying and evaluating seven factors, the author concluded that enjoyment was most important in short term ownership of objects and memories was most recognized factor in longtime ownership. In a disposable product society, it is intriguing to read an article encouraging long-term ownership.