1. Firms must make difficult choices about which innovation projects to invest in given that most projects fail and development is expensive, time-consuming, and risky.
2. The chapter explores quantitative and qualitative methods used to evaluate projects, ranging from informal to highly structured approaches. Quantitative methods include discounted cash flow analysis like net present value (NPV) and internal rate of return (IRR).
3. While quantitative methods provide concrete financial estimates, the estimates rely on assumptions and tend to undervalue long-term or risky projects. Qualitative methods provide non-financial perspectives useful for assessing strategic fit and potential. The most effective evaluations often combine quantitative and qualitative techniques.