Abstract
PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to map the process of opening an innovation network in the context of the Brazilian agroforestry sector.Design/methodology/approachQualitative case study of the open innovation network Embrapa Florestas (17 semi-structured interviews, observation and documentary data). Social network analysis (SNA) of the open innovation network from primary data is available at Embrapa Florestas’ system.FindingsThree primary triggers to the opening process of Embrapa Florestas’ innovation network were identified. The process starts with an innovation network with closed network characteristics. The process of opening the innovation network is motivated by a restructuring in its source of fundraising (trigger 1), by the change in strategic orientation toward the internationalization of its network activities (trigger 2) and by opening the black box of its innovation with greater proximity to the productive sector and partner universities (trigger 3). Comparing the pre-opening and post-opening networks (open innovation network), sociometric data allows us to verify that the opening of the innovation network presents better density, clustering and centrality indexes for the network as a whole and for the Embrapa Florestas specifically.Originality/valueThis is one of the first studies that aims to investigate the transition from a closed innovation network to an open innovation network by a public research institute. It may also be considered innovative because it presents practical and managerial relevance – in addition to contributions to public policy makers – which allows for improvements in the development of innovation and technology in the country's strategic sectors.
Highlights
Open innovation explores organizations’ intentional knowledge sharing embedded in the economic context (Chesbrough, 2003, Loukis, Charalabidis, & Androutsopoulou, 2017)
Its relevance as a unique case is justified since Embrapa Florestas is a leading public institute in the forestry sector that has been changing its orientation from innovation to networks open to private sector actors (Crespi et al, 2019)
In the following period (t1), Embrapa Florestas (EF) undergoes opening the innovation network (A → B). This process was driven by a restructuring in its source of fundraising, the change in EF’s strategic orientation toward the internationalization of its networking activities
Summary
Open innovation explores organizations’ intentional knowledge sharing embedded in the economic context (Chesbrough, 2003, Loukis, Charalabidis, & Androutsopoulou, 2017). It is usually adopted in the private sphere, such strategy is advocated within public organizations (Gasco, 2017, Kankanhalli, Zuiderwijk, & Tayi, 2017). In this context, public research institutes (PRIs) become key organizations in promoting technological innovations by integrating private sector partners in open innovation The full terms of this licence maybe seen at http:// creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0/legalcode
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
