Introduction: accounting, innovation and inter-organisational relationships

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts covered in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explores the interconnections between accounting, innovation and inter-organisational relationships. It analyses the Q-Linea project, an innovation for a new type of diagnostic technology for rapid characterisation of bloodstream infections. The book then analyses the scaling of innovative technology start-ups to global business activities through rapidly accelerated innovation processes. It also examines the Bosch startup platform, a corporate program that lets employees start new businesses as if they are independent startups. The book examines the development of the Boeing Dreamliner. It then analyses how accounting is involved in innovation conducted between ABB Robotics, a producer of industrial robots, and its close customers and suppliers. The book also analyses an innovation project about the customisation of existing software for the billing and customer care activities of a mobile operator's telecommunication division.