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This book explores different aspects related to innovation processes in industry. It presents in detail several approaches to support these processes by ICT-based Knowledge Management (KM) systems and collaborative working environments.

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Innovating in Product/Process Development demonstrates how to achieve true innovation in product development, and how to launch a new product in the quickest and cheapest way.

The new approach to product development proposed in this book is based on the most recent research in the field. It suggests the integration of several tools that are currently only used independently, with the aim of stimulating the creation of innovative ideas in general, and specifically in the areas of product/process improvements and problem solving.

Innovating in Product/Process Development explores different aspects of innovation processes in twenty-first century industry from a global economic perspective. It presents in detail several approaches to support these processes, from ICT-based systems to collaborative working environments, all of which will be of interest to MBA or advanced students; researchers; and design teams charged with the creation of new product lines.

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Product/Process Development.- Innovation in Product/Process Development.- Product/Process Development for the Twenty-First Century.- ICT Tools and Systems Supporting Innovation in Product/Process Development.- ICT Tools for Collaborative Product/Process Design and Innovation Process.- Future Trends.

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Dr Mikel Sorli achieved his PhD at the High Technical School of the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Bilbao, Spain. He was also awarded an MBA by the Deusto University (INSIDE), Bilbao, Spain. Dr Sorli works for Fundación Labein, where he is Head of Design Engineering in the Innovation Management and Regional Development Unit. His current research is in the fields of product life cycle management, and integrating and promoting the use of Knowledge Based Engineering, PDM systems and advanced design methodologies.

Dr Dragan Stokic has a PhD from the University of Beograd. He is a senior researcher at the Institute for Applied System Technology, Bremen, where he is responsible for research into Collaborative Working Environments (CWE) and business networking; Knowledge Management for product/process design; IiM, such as modelling and control of robots and automation, as well as enterprise modelling and design and; methodology for application of the best manufacturing practices in introducing advanced technology into manufacturing companies.

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