The Research Review and Prospect on the Lead User

Abstract

Under the trend of democratizing innovation, lead user becomes an important research object in the field of innovation. Lead user, as an important strategic resource, is at the leading edge of important market trends which will popular in the near future, and they anticipate obtaining relatively high benefits from exploring a solution to their needs. In this paper, the definition, characteristics and function are detailed firstly. Then, the status quo of lead user is introduced, and related research review and the shortage of present research are put forward. Afterwards, an identifying criterion system is built. And finally, the latest trend and further research direction are analyzed.