New product development in German and US technology firms

This research tested a model in both Germany and the USA that contained marketing variables known to impact new product development success in high technology firms. We explore the link between national culture and new product development. A multi‐group LISREL analysis revealed that while the model structure is valid for both countries, the impact of certain marketing factors on commercial product success differed. The analysis revealed that the mean values of the marketing factors differed significantly in each country. The most important determinant of new product success in both countries is proficiency in product launch activities. Marketing skills also positively impact product success in both countries. Top management support and involvement was also an important predictor of new product success in Germany, but the impact was negative. The potential impact of culture on the findings is discussed.