INNOVATION PROCESS AND BUSINESS FUNCTIONS' IMPLICATION IN THE NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

This paper aims at presenting the implication of the business (organizational) functions into the process of new product development. This process is closely related to the innovation process. So, firstly, the paper offers some approaches to innovation and the phases of an innovation process, which practically precedes the new product development. Secondly, the authors describe the process of new product development as one with seven phases. In each phase, the implication of the five considered organizational functions (the Research and Development function, the Human Resources function, the Finance and Accounts function, the Production function and the Sales and Marketing function), is different. Finally, a graphical representation of the implication level for the organizational functions in the new product development process is developed and discussed.