The length of time it takes to develop a new product from inception until its’ first market sales.
Comments: Products are being developed so quickly that companies must strike a balance between being “first on the scene” with new products and giving away under-developed ideas that competitors may improve on with lightning speed.
Consider what has happened with MP3 players in the last few years. Speed and “features” have been competing in this market and there seems to be no end in sight.