Managing Open Innovation in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs)

Abstract

Over the past years, open innovation has gained wide attention in literature on innovation. However, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have been excluded from the mainstream discussion in open innovation. Very recent studies confirm that open innovation is increasingly important for SMEs but also suggest that findings from research on large firms cannot be simply transferred. This chapter aims to explicate the concept of open innovation in SMEs with a particular focus on services and tourism SMEs drawing upon and expanding recent empirical research. First, it discusses the specific nature of open innovation in SMEs and the particular facets of the tourism sector. Afterwards, it presents an overview of different modes of open innovation in SMEs. Against this background, the chapter conceptualizes the internal dimensions of managing open innovation in SMEs by drawing upon recent research on internal organizational facilitators and practices for open innovation. It concludes with recommendations for future research on open innovation in SMEs in the tourism sector.