THE IMPORTANCE OF THE LEARNING CYCLE IN THE PROCESS OF OPEN INNOVATION IN A MULTINATIONAL COMPANY

Abstract

Since the concept of open innovation was introduced in the marketplace, publications in the business and information technology areas have been populated with studies relating collaboration, innovation and open innovation. However, in a closer look, what is usually seen is that both, companies and academics, are still trying to understand how to implement the practice and principles of open innovation. Some niche companies have applied open innovation and collaboration principles and implemented what is called open innovation platform and have been successful in the market. But most of the companies, are still trying to figure out how to integrate these new concepts to their business processes. Through a longitudinal and qualitative research approach was developed in order to investigate how a multinational company established in Brazil, implemented an open innovation initiative. The first initiatives undertaken by this company in the OI area were below the expectations but the learning cycle and the adoption of new technology determined how to plan the next initiatives. Results indicate that at each learning cycle, they achieve better outcomes.