An innovation consulting firm lists five steps to success in NPD in a down economy. Three of them are:

1. Understand your customers’ new values
2. Manage your new product portfolio/pipeline for the long term
3. Manufacturing (process?) is your best friend.

To see the complete list and explanation from newlogic consulting go to: http://www.newlogicusa.com/_downloads/innovation_in_a_down_economy.pdf