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Abstract
The following contribution describes how an E-collaboration platform may be used within new
product development. In order to develop a new dairy product (a yoghurt dessert), a leading Austrian
dairy co-operated with representatives from the Austrian University of Natural Resources
and Applied Live Sciences Vienna and other experts by use of a specific E-collaboration platform.
The main aim of the project was the preparation of innovative product concepts. All necessary
data and documents concerning consumer behaviour, market trends, product features etc. were
distributed via a closed E-collaboration platform. The participants worked together for about
half a year; however, only two personal meetings were necessary, all other communication processes
(also group discussions) were done via the E-collaboration platform. It was possible to
simultaneously communicate and co-operate even though the participants were located in Vienna,
Upper Austria and Italy (South Tyrol).
In the end a new product could be developed which was launched in one of the big three Austria
supermarket chains in 2004. It could be proven that the state of the art in new product development
is absolutely compatible with the usage of information technology for communication and
knowledge transfer purposes; however, confidentiality and trust are absolutely indispensable
for the success of such a project.