TY - JOUR T1 - Enhancing Innovation through Virtual Proximity JF - Technology Innovation Management Review Y1 - 2014 A1 - Tom Coughlan KW - clusters KW - communication KW - distance KW - innovation KW - tools KW - virtual proximity AB - Historically, innovation strategists have focused on leveraging local resources and the development of local clusters, which have relied heavily on personal contact. It was assumed that serendipity would occur through casual contact and that this contact would result in rapid sharing of ideas. Many studies have supported this concept; however, the pace of innovation has changed and the most successful organizations promote not only physical proximity but also virtual proximity to resources. Virtual proximity refers to the level of emotional closeness between individuals, as developed through the use of information and communications technologies. This article argues that organizations can and should look to develop local virtual relationships supported by physical proximity: the mix of both virtual proximity and physical proximity can increase an organization's innovation capability. PB - Talent First Network CY - Ottawa VL - 4 UR - http://timreview.ca/article/765 IS - 2 U1 - Mercy College Tom Coughlan, DBA, is the Associate Dean of the School of Business at Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, New York. He is also is an adjunct faculty in the graduate programs of the University of Phoenix, the Manhattan Institute of Management, the University of Bridgeport, and the Weller International Business School in Paris. His fields of practice include management, marketing, and e-business with a particular emphasis on the development of virtual proximity to increase levels of applied innovation within and across organizations. In addition to his academic activities, Dr. Coughlan has over 30 years of field experience as an entrepreneur, consultant, and marketing/management professional. ER -