15 - Managing asymmetric relationships in open innovation: lessons from multinational companies and SMEs

Abstract

The challenges of partnerships between large and small companies are explored and suggestions from case studies that might be of help in overcoming them are made. The difficulties are explored from both the large and small companies perspectives. Culture, complexity and communication problems are explored. Case studies of open-innovation partnerships involving Nestlé, Tate & Lyle, Unilever and Ben and Jerry’s are presented.