JOURNAL ARTICLE

Artificial Intelligence, Lean Startup Method, and Product Innovations.

  • Published In: Management Science (INFORMS), 2026, v. 72, n. 1. P. 756 1 of 3

  • Database: Business Source Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Wang, Xiaoning; Wu, Lynn 3 of 3

Abstract

This article investigates how startups leverage artificial intelligence (AI) for product innovation, emphasizing the organizational support provided by the lean startup method (LSM). Analyzing data from 1,800 Chinese startups between 2011 and 2020, the study distinguishes between discovery-oriented AI, which uncovers new market insights, and optimization-oriented AI, which refines existing processes. It finds that discovery-oriented AI complements LSM's prototyping practices to accelerate first-release product development, while optimization-oriented AI complements LSM's controlled experimentation to enhance iterative product improvements. The joint adoption of AI capabilities and LSM leads to more and higher-quality products developed in less time, highlighting the importance of aligning specific AI types with appropriate organizational processes for effective innovation.

Additional Information

  • Source:Management Science (INFORMS). 2026/01, Vol. 72, Issue 1, p756
  • Document Type:Abstract
  • Subject Area:Business and Management
  • Publication Date:2026
  • ISSN:0025-1909
  • DOI:10.1287/mnsc.2022.03905
  • Accession Number:190748667
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of Management Science (INFORMS) is the property of INFORMS: Institute for Operations Research & the Management Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Looking to go deeper into this topic? Look for more articles on EBSCOhost.