@Sasha 'Best practice is a subjective term / benchmark and trying to define such will obtain divergent opinions; my take is having a set of specific parameters that define 'Best practice’- Successes and Failures can then measured against the set parameters. To stay competitive companies need to develop own (internal) benchmarks in addition to industry benchmarks.

I agree with you that most companies’ just ‘copy paste’ successful practices across in their sectors & as noted the key is retaining competitiveness in the longterm.

I look at 'next practices' as forward looking - gaining and retaining that competitive edge over competitors and the competition (staying ahead of the competition). - It’s never easy and hence need to stay innovative.

Below article on “Next-Generation Product Development” is similar to your 'next practices' - forward looking!

http://www.strategy-busi....com/article/00076?pg=0