THE INFLUENCE OF DESIGN THINKING ON OPEN INNOVATION

Abstract

Design thinking has gained popularity in the corporate context. It has already proven to be a valuable approach to problem-solving within an organisation, but research has neglected its impact on external partnerships. Since most researchers use qualitative research designs, there is little quantitative empirical evidence on design thinking. This study applies a multi-informant survey design that considers the project and the organisational level. Based on 212 projects in 78 companies, we examine the relationship between design thinking and the external collaboration quality and overall project success. Further, we evaluate structural, cultural, and task-related contingencies. Our results suggest that design thinking as a collaborative and empathic problem-solving approach strengthens external collaboration quality enhancing overall project success. Team continuity positively moderates this relationship. This study contributes to the existing literature in design thinking and open innovation by proposing the design thinking methodology as a valuable approach in inter-organisational relationships.