'Competitive innovation matrix': a framework for open innovation

Abstract

The concept of open innovation encompasses a wide range of external actors that an organisation might need to share and acquire knowledge with. While there is much hype about open innovation, as of yet there is no framework to decide how open innovation might be useful. In our research we cite four theories linked with open innovation. Through the literature analysis, we develop a framework called 'competitive innovation matrix' for using open innovation within project development, at the very start of the process. The framework is to be tested in future empirical research work. We aim to highlight that open innovation, when applied prior to close innovation, would rather shift from being a risk to being an opportunity. In any case, when a firm share its ideas open, it would expect to receive others' ideas as well. Accordingly, we provide an overall framework for employing both open and closed innovation, one that shows how open innovation has clear benefits for sharing problem solving at the initial research phase of the project.