Transformation of the innovation process in the food industry by introducing lean/agile new product development processes

This research redefines New Product Development (NPD) for SMEs in the Australian food service industry (FSI) by integrating a lean/agile hybrid approach to the stage-gate (SG) process. The study emphasizes innovation, efficiency and adaptability in response to evolving customer demands and market complexities. By integrating lean waste-reduction principles and agile flexibility, the enhanced five-stage SG model improves NPD outcomes. A case study highlights real-world application, showcasing improvements in development time, customer engagement and success rates. Organizational restructuring and advanced data management further support innovation, offering a scalable framework for SMEs to boost competitiveness and responsiveness in the FSI.