Abstract
This study investigates the interlink between open innovation (OI) and digitalization in the service industry, particularly in consulting firms. OI is an emerging theory that has not been fully explored in the service industry. Consulting firms are example of knowledge-intensive business services and professional service firms, which are firms locating, developing, combining and applying various types of knowledge to solve the problems of their clients, which makes them an ideal sample to understand how the open innovation process is implemented. We have conducted 15 case studies in both Management and IT consulting firms in Spain and Italy interviewing people responsible of the innovation management process. The evidence suggests a new role for consulting firms in the open innovation process, the creation and coordination of innovation ecosystems and digitalization as a main driver for innovation. Implications for academics, managers and policy makers as well as an agenda for future research is also provided.
Published Version
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