This chapter provides an overview and a summary of popular management theories and investigates their influence on business innovation research. It discusses how these theories—often developed outside the innovation field—gain traction due to their practical relevance and wide appeal. The authors explore the theory–practice gap and question how such theories are adapted, transformed, and legitimized within innovation studies. They argue that the popularity of a theory is not inherently negative but must be critically examined to ensure scientific rigor. The chapter underscores the boundary-spanning nature of business innovation and advocates for a nuanced approach to evaluating and integrating popular theories into academic discourse.