Robert G. Cooper (innovation scholar)

Robert G. Cooper is a prominent scholar in the field of innovation management. He is best known for developing the Stage-Gate® process, a systematic approach to new product development that helps organizations manage their innovation efforts more effectively. This framework breaks the development process into stages, with specific checkpoints (gates) at which projects are evaluated and decisions are made about whether to advance, modify, or terminate them. Cooper's work emphasizes the importance of rigorous planning, assessment, and resource allocation in creating successful products, contributing significantly to how businesses approach innovation today.