Stability-Preserving Iteration: How Mature Companies with Stable Customer Bases Manage Innovation

Ke Liu

doi:10.54691/fddmjy60

Authors

Ke Liu Beijing Nova Academy, Beijing 100000, China

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54691/fddmjy60

Keywords:

Stability-preserving iteration, mature firms, innovation strategy, customer loyalty, incremental innovation.

Abstract

This paper discusses how mature enterprises can promote product and service innovation without destroying the existing customer relationship in a relatively stable market environment and high customer loyalty. Different from the previous innovation path that emphasized fast trial and error and minimum viable product (MVP) in a high uncertainty environment, this paper puts forward the concept of "stability-preserving iteration", emphasizing that enterprises need to adopt more prudent and structurally matched innovation methods under the conditions of low external fluctuation and high internal path dependence. Based on the case analysis of Barnes & Noble, this paper puts forward four key mechanisms: localization matching, form consistency change, first removing friction and then adding function, and selective digital complementarity. It is found that these mechanisms help enterprises to achieve gradual upgrading while maintaining brand consistency, thus reducing the risk of customer churn. This paper provides a new theoretical perspective and practical enlightenment for the innovation strategy of mature enterprises.

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