In March this year, Frost & Sullivan (hereinafter referred to as "Frost & Sullivan") officially launched the "2026 Global Product Innovation Index Series Study Topic" (hereinafter referred to as "Product Innovation Index Study Topic"). Focusing on the contemporary theme of "product innovation," it systematically analyzed global industrial innovation trends and introduced the first "Comprehensive Evaluation System for Product Innovation Index," which attracted extensive attention in the industry.
To further explore representative innovation cases and promote the accumulation of industry innovation experiences and value dissemination, Frost & Sullivan has officially launched the “Product Innovation Index Research Special” case collection campaign. It invites outstanding enterprises, brands, and institutions across various industries to submit product innovation cases that are representative of the industry, feature technological breakthroughs, and possess commercial innovation value, thereby creating a benchmark for industrial innovation.
Background: Why is it necessary to redefine "product innovation"?
Currently, global business innovation is surging, and AI-driven technological revolutions are transforming various industries. In 2026, as the beginning year of the "15th Five-Year Plan", China’s business environment is undergoing profound transformation. The past extensive growth model based on channel expansion and marketing spending is no longer viable. Shifting consumer demands, rapid technology penetration, and evolving policy guidelines are reshaping the competitive landscape for businesses. Whether it is the health-oriented upgrades in the beverage industry, the efficacy innovations in personal care and beauty products, or technological breakthroughs in smart mobility, AI applications, and consumer electronics, these developments confirm a trend: product innovation has shifted from a "bonus factor" in business development to a "key factor" determining future competitiveness.
In this context, how can we identify products and companies that truly possess innovative value? How can we establish a scientific, systematic, and measurable innovation evaluation system? How can we summarize innovation patterns through industry cases and support industrial upgrading? Based on long-term industry research, Frost & Sullivan offers a world’s first product innovation index system covering multiple sectors and enabling quantitative comparison. Through monthly reports, it systematically decodes the underlying logic and implementation methods of product innovation, providing authoritative decision-making support for enterprises. The current case collection aims to select breakthrough product innovation practices from various fields as core samples for the product innovation index research. Selected cases will serve as industry innovation benchmarks and receive comprehensive support and exposure.
Evaluation Criteria: How to quantify the value of innovation benchmarks?
Frost & Sullivan Frost & Sullivan China LeadLeo Research Institute LeadLeo YUAN CAPITAL SULLIVAN TELE-TREND CLOUD TECHNOLOGY TradeGo MagnaTEC Automotive & Mobility Environmental Protection & Energy Saving Technology Logistics & Supply Chain MATERNAL AND INFANT Education & Training Real Estate & Property Catering & New Retailing Advanced Materials Healthcare & Life Sciences Semiconductor & Chip COMMERCIAL AVIATION Technology, Media and Telecom LANDSCAPING Big Data & AI Infrastructure Construction & Utilities Culture & Entertainment AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND FISHERY Food & Beverage Fintech SHIPPING AND PORTS Dual Carbon & New Energy Mining & Metals Public Sector Cross-Border E-commerce Trade Building Technology, Construction & Decoration Beauty & Fashion Smart Homes Digital Infrastructure Enterprise Services Consumer Electronics
In this context, analyzing the core factors of product innovation and establishing a multi-dimensional quantitative evaluation system that combines scientificity and practicality is essential to overcome the subjectivity of qualitative assessments. Defining the key indicators and quantitative standards for each aspect of innovation becomes a pressing need to transform innovation from "blind attempts" into "precision empowerment," and it also serves as a crucial support for enterprises to gain an advantage in innovation and achieve long-term success. In order to objectively measure the innovation potential of enterprises and products, Frost & Sullivan has developed a comprehensive evaluation system for Product Innovation Index. This system aims to penetrate surface levels through quantification, enabling horizontal comparison and vertical growth assessment between enterprises and brands across different sectors and development stages. The comprehensive evaluation system for Product Innovation Index includes multiple levels of indicators.
First-level indicators (8 major pillars): Track potential, technological innovation, business innovation, corporate performance, business potential, user experience, marketing operations, and social responsibility.
Second-level indicators (19 key elements): Covering category definition rights, cross-sector vitality, user acquisition efficiency, and business growth quality.
Three-level indicators (40 hardcore metrics): Based on the R&D expense ratio, overall product market share, user perception,Carbon Footprint DisclosureFrost & Sullivan Frost & Sullivan China LeadLeo Research Institute LeadLeo YUAN CAPITAL SULLIVAN TELE-TREND CLOUD TECHNOLOGY TradeGo MagnaTEC Automotive & Mobility Environmental Protection & Energy Saving Technology Logistics & Supply Chain MATERNAL AND INFANT Education & Training Real Estate & Property Catering & New Retailing Advanced Materials Healthcare & Life Sciences Semiconductor & Chip COMMERCIAL AVIATION Technology, Media and Telecom LANDSCAPING Big Data & AI Infrastructure Construction & Utilities Culture & Entertainment AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND FISHERY Food & Beverage Fintech SHIPPING AND PORTS Dual Carbon & New Energy Mining & Metals Public Sector Cross-Border E-commerce Trade Building Technology, Construction & Decoration Beauty & Fashion Smart Homes Digital Infrastructure Enterprise Services Consumer Electronics
Direction of Collection: Which cases are worth highlighting?
The research topic on Product Innovation Index will be presented through monthly reports to systematically decode the underlying logic of product innovation. This case collection is based on a global innovation perspective, aiming to identify Chinese enterprise innovation benchmarks with outstanding innovation capabilities in core technologies, user value, and business models, including but not limited to:
Category definersFocusing on product features and design concepts, it has created new niche markets and holds a very high market share among consumers.
Technology BreakthroughsPossessing core technology patents, it drives product innovation through technological advancements, achieving significant technical breakthroughs and industrial applications.
Pattern ReconstructorFrost & Sullivan demonstrates unique performance in business models, supply chain collaboration, and digital operations, including digital operations, channel innovation, supply chain collaboration, platform ecosystem development, and cross-sector integration.
Value LeaderInESGFrost & Sullivan China demonstrates outstanding performance in areas such as green supply chain, circular economy, and social responsibility, and has identified new paths to high-quality growth.
Users who have made significant contributionsFrost & Sullivan China demonstrates outstanding performance in digital operations, user engagement, and service experience. By providing accurate insights into consumer needs, it achieves user growth, increased user loyalty, and a redefinition of brand value.
Participation Value: Authoritative Endorsement + Industry Empowerment + Multi-dimensional Exposure
The selected companies/brands will have the opportunity to:
Report Focused Cases CollectionSelected for the '2026 Global Product Innovation Index Series Research Report', received professional in-depth analysis, became a core sample for the Product Innovation Index evaluation, and enhanced the industry's innovation recognition.
Frost & Sullivan’s authoritative coverage across all channelsFrost & Sullivan’s official WeChat account, industry media, and collaboration platforms were simultaneously promoted to expand brand influence.
Precise connection to industrial resourcesLinking capital, channels, and supply chain ecosystem resources to facilitate the commercialization of innovative outcomes;
Benchmarking with top industry standardsParticipating in online/offline report insights sessions, engaging in discussions with industry experts and investment institutions.
Global Industry BenchmarkInvited to attend the 2026 Frost & Sullivan Summit in person, engage in discussions with global investors, enhance international competitiveness, and accelerate progress on the international stage.
2026 Research Release Plan
●Published Projects (Click on the blue text to view)
●Future Challenges and Planning
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Drink Products: Studies product innovation, supply chain innovation, store model innovation, and overseas expansion cases.
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Pet Products: Focus on pet food, smart products, pet healthcare and service innovation.
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Smart Wearable Devices: Focus on innovation in products such as AI smart glasses, smart bracelets, and smart wearables.
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Functional Beverages: Focus on energy drinks, sports nutrition beverages, Chinese health water products, etc., with emphasis on product formulation innovation, consumption scenario innovation, brand innovation, and channel innovation practices.
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Robots: Focus on exploring the technological innovation pathways and business models of products such as humanoid robots and service robots.
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Beauty and Skincare: Focus on efficacy-based skincare, beauty devices, and AI-driven beauty innovation areas.
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Outdoor Lifestyle: Focus on camping equipment, cycling, smart wearables, and scenario innovation.
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New Types of Beverages: Focus on low-alcohol drinks, pre-mixed drinks, plant-based beverages, and innovative practices of new consumer brands.
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Age-friendly Products: Focus on age-friendly products, health management, and innovative practices in elderly care services.
More industry research projects are being planned continuously. In the future, we will focus on innovation trends in various fields for an extended period, explore product innovations in additional areas, and consistently deliver professional and authoritative research findings.
Registration methods
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