Mining innovation opportunities for handheld device cases using the fuzzy next method

Many handheld devices, such as the smartphone and tablet, have become vital to many people´s daily lives. Thus, identifying innovation opportunities for these handheld devices is important for academics and practitioners alike. In this study, we proposed a novel method - the Fuzzy NeXT method -for measuring the gaps between users´ demands and technological availabilities, as well as possible ways to fill these gaps. To this end, we performed a literature review to identify criteria systems. Then, we evaluated current available products by assessing customer needs and core technologies. Finally we conducted a panel discussion to propose strategies to fill these gaps. The results showed that the Fuzzy NeXT method not only precisely measured the gaps between user demands and technological availabilities, but also stimulated participation and interaction between suppliers and customers. We postulated that this method may trigger additional co-innovation activities and can be useful for many applications, such as corporate foresight and service foresight.