Perspectives of Collaboration between Large Firms and High-Tech SMEs Regarding Open Innovation (OI)

Abstract

This article aims to explore Open Innovation (OI) collaborations between high-tech small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and large customers. The aim of the study is to add new perspectives regarding the specific and special way in which smaller companies initiate and develop relationships based on trust with larger customers in order to innovate and, at the same time, highlight the special contribution of customers in terms of the innovation process of SMEs. It presents perspectives regarding the way in which SMEs, by building trust, initiate and grow OI relationships with research clients but also with clients present in industry. According to the results, large customers, directly and indirectly, contributed significantly to the innovation processes of SMEs. The study focuses on SMEs aiming to adopt an OI strategy that involves enhancing legitimacy, building trust, and leveraging relationships with research institutions and larger clients. By investigating how SMEs develop partnerships with these entities, the study contributes to the existing OI literature by exploring how SMEs navigate the advantages and challenges associated with OI while fostering trust-based relationships.