Introduction To Open Technology Innovation Strategies

Marek Jemala

doi:10.18267/j.aop.304

Abstract

An open technology innovation strategy can be characterised as a proactive combination of intra-institutional strengths and external opportunities of a market in order to create more complex technology solutions by exploiting capacities, capabilities and know-how of another institution (another company, university, research institution, etc.). This strategy may also postulate new market, industry, region, or culture penetration and concurrently has to require new business models. The main research questions of this article are stated as follows: What are the main drivers, key barriers, successful factors, main questions and basic typology of OI strategies in general? The issue of global innovation networks is outlined at the end of the article. The research was based on an extensive literature review, discussion with experts and several case studies (Apple, Nintendo, Nokia, etc.).

Highlights

TO OPEN TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION STRATEGIES Marek Jemala*
Traditional, relatively closed business strategies have usually led companies to assume more or less defensive positions against the external environment as well as restricted internal strengths of institutions that might have been multiplied through open business cooperation (Chesbrough and Appleyard, 2007)
An OI strategy is usually applied based on a partnership of two or more parties

Summary

Introduction

Since the time of Adam Smith and his “innovation by working men”, the open innovation approach can be seen more and more in many different forms and industries. The key business attitude in many industries and, let us say the key issue regarding open innovation strategy at the same time, is towards strategic opening-up of companies to wider sharing of information, know-how, resources and other inputs as well as more intensive cooperation even with competitors or substitutors. The first one, the best ideas for innovation, usually comes from outside a company, e.g., customers and broader expert discussion that is not usually part of an internal management process This fact may be strengthened by effective marketing as well as by business participation in a regional or industrial foresight process. The issue of global innovation networks as a new phenomenon in these circumstances in recent years is outlined at the end of the article

Main drivers behind open technology innovation strategy

Key questions and basic forms of an open technology innovation strategy

Global innovation networks and the open technology innovation strategy

Findings

Conclusions