Nikolaus Franke (Vienna University of Economics and BA)
Christian Lüthje (Technical University Hamburg, Germany)

Vienna University of Economics and BA and
Technical University Hamburg, Germany

Von Hippels theory on the sources of innovation focuses on two major loci: users and manufacturer (sometimes complemented by suppliers). In consumer markets, however, another institution plays an important role in the market: retailers. In this study we analyze the “catalyzing” or “gate-keeping” role of retailers with regard to user innovations.