A model for supporting the ideas screening during front end of the innovation process based on combination of methods of EcaTRIZ,AHP,and SWOT

Abstract

Product innovation is a fundamental factor for a company or even the economy of a country to maintain survival, growth, and long-term success. All innovations begin with creative ideas; however, all the ideas are not the source of an opportunity. Ideas should therefore be carefully evaluated and selected from a wide range of creative ideas using appropriate evaluation methods. This article summarizes seven evaluation methods, discusses the basic principles of the different methods, analyzes their advantages and application advice, and proposes an idea screening process model based on the combination of the EcaTRIZ, analytic hierarchy process (AHP), and SWOT, for supporting the ideas screening during fuzzy front end of the innovation process.