Open Innovation Networks Research Articles

Managing knowledge boundaries for open innovation – lessons from the automotive industry

PurposeThe rising need to innovate and obtain knowledge from more distant knowledge sources calls for new innovation strategies and a better integration of other external actors who lie outside the traditional automotive supply chain. Such an open innovation strategy challenges organizational boundaries both on the firm and supply chain level, yet our understanding of the functioning of such boundaries and how they can be managed to allow for purposive knowledge flows is limited. The paper aims to discuss these issues.Design/methodology/approachIn a longitudinal case study, the authors trace the development of the first open innovation network in the German automotive industry over a period of five years based on archival data, semi-structured interviews, and field observations.FindingsWhile the automotive industry is advanced in collaborating with suppliers for innovation, routines for assessing and integrating ideas from sources outside the supply chain are still underdeveloped. The authors show which current knowledge boundaries pose obstacles for open innovation initiatives in this industry, and how they could be mediated through the involvement of gatekeepers.Originality/valueThe authors challenge and clarify the notion of the “permeability of organizational boundaries” in the open innovation literature and investigate the role of gatekeepers for open innovation.

La Network Governance a supporto dell'Open Innovation: un'analisi della letteratura

This study aims at investigate the state of the art of network governance studies in relation to a specific context, that is research and development (R & D) and open innovation. The research was conducted through a literature review over the period 2007-2017. The obtained results outline a descriptive picture of the main trends in the field of governance in open innovation networks, highlighting the concentration of studies in some research centers and journals, and therefore a need for research that deepens the Governance as a key factor in open innovation processes.

Construction of an open innovation network and its mechanism design for manufacturing enterprises: a resource-based perspective

Innovation is the engine of development for enterprises, and there is an increasing trend to adopt an open innovation strategy. However, how to manage external resources in an open, collaborative and complementary manner, and in a shared environment that will yield the greatest networking effects, it is a challenging task. Because there is no such a satisfactory model for an open innovation strategy that combine operational mechanisms with the management of, external resources. Thhis article tries to fill the gap by adopting a resource-based perspective to construct an overall open innovation (OOI) business model. In this model, external resources are classified as industrial and non-industrial entities, to enable the identification of the interaction methods between manufacturing enterprises and external resources. The management of external resources involved in a Technology Open Innovation (TOI) cycle is given particular attention that includes: 1) the classification of the external resources of a TOI, 2) the general mechanisms extracted to promote qualified resources in and unqualified resources out, and 3) a business model to conceptualize the collaboration between enterprises and external resources. A case study of TOI is also provided to empirically verify its feasibility. This paper contributes to the literature by providing an original operational model and mechanism design for an open innovation strategy that is capable of managing external resources effectively.

Governance of open innovation networks with national vs international scope

PurposeThe realisation of joint innovation outcomes in open innovation networks is closely related to an efficient utilisation of governance mechanisms, which coordinate joint processes (e.g. knowledge sharing) and eliminate undesired behaviours (e.g. opportunism). Hence, the purpose of this paper is to analyse the complex effects of multiple governance approaches on outcomes of open innovation networks with a national and an international scope.Design/methodology/approachThe study draws on a large-scale survey-based study of 100 mechanical engineering firms involved in open innovation networks. Hypotheses are tested by means of PLS structural equation modelling.FindingsThe evidence shows that the three governance mechanisms: transactional governance, relational governance and institutionalised governance significantly foster innovation outcomes of open innovation networks. In national open innovation networks, only relational governance exerts positive effects, internationally transactional and institutionalised governance is necessary.Research limitations/implicationsThe study contributes to research in multiple ways. First, it shows that governance of open innovation networks is crucial for their innovation performance, thereby providing some explanations for the performance differences between certain networks. Second, the results indicate that the effects of governance mechanisms depend on the scope of the network. By showing that the effect of governance mechanisms varies under different contextual conditions the study also contributes to the ongoing debate on combined effects of governance mechanisms.Originality/valueThe paper fills important gaps in the existing research on the link between governance and performance in open innovation networks and delineates interesting areas for further research.

Oops, I did it again! Knowledge leaks in open innovation networks with start-ups

PurposeLittle is known, about the role played by start-ups in open innovation networks. Start-ups – due to their nature of new and emerging companies – can largely benefit from the knowledge that can flow intentionally or unintentionally from external partners during open innovation practices. When open innovation networks are not set among peers on both sides the authors expect to have more unintended knowledge flows. Such knowledge “leaks” – as the authors named them – in open innovation networks are totally unexplored in literature. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to focus “whether and how knowledge leaks occur in open innovation networks with start-ups”.Design/methodology/approachThe research design of this study relies on social network analysis methods and techniques to disentangle the role of start-ups in open innovation networks – in a major Italian aerospace cluster – vis-à-vis the three types of knowledge considered in this study. Then the authors confirmed knowledge leaks to occur through a multiplexity analysis. In the second stage of the research, the authors decided to strengthen the results, making them more vivid and thorough, relying on four case studies.FindingsThe paper sheds light on a totally unexplored phenomenon, theorizing on the role of start-ups in open innovation networks and suggesting intriguing implications both for theory and managers on whether and how knowledge leaks occur.Research limitations/implicationsThe main limitations arise from the specific research context, in fact the study has been conducted in an aerospace cluster. So future studies might consider to explore knowledge leaks in non-cluster settings and in low tech industries.Practical implicationsThe results have practical implications both for policy makers and for managers. First of all, the research confirms how open innovation often originates from a combination of different knowledge types acquired through the collaboration with heterogeneous players, start-ups included. Hence, managers may design open innovation strategies balancing their portfolio of collaborations to maximize the absorption of relevant knowledge and start-uppers may consider to engage in open innovation practices to accelerate knowledge absorption. Nevertheless, the study warns managers against the risk of knowledge leaks, especially in cases like start-ups where the eagerness to participate or the prestige associated with participating in open innovation networks with key players may hamper the control over knowledge leaks.Social implicationsThis opens up for possible interventions for policy makers too. First of all, policy makers may consider incorporating the concept of knowledge leaks in their campaign in favour of open innovation. Second, the study may help policy makers in designing programmes for knowledge transfer partnerships amongst the various players of a cluster in a more conscious way, especially warning new to business companies, like start-ups, about possible leaks. Finally, there is also the need of developing professional figures like consultants capable of supporting start-ups in their open innovation practices.Originality/valueFindings reported in the paper confirm multiplexity and heteromorphism in knowledge exchanges and shed the light on a completely unexplored field (i.e. open innovation and start-ups), focussing on knowledge leaks. Relevant implications for policy makers and managers are included in the study.

Why the New Logics of a Connected World Affect Traditional Innovation Structures from the Bottom Up – and the Role of Open Innovation Networks & Ecosystems in Finding Proper Answers

2016 has brought us new learnings about ecosystem dynamics and the transformation of design thinking and agile development methods. What most of these methods have in common is a divergent and a convergent phase that allows to think boldly and broadly on the one hand, and to recognize priorities and enable speed on the other hand. But industry logics are very different from theoretical settings as there are complex organizational factors at play which encompass diverse cultural and sub-cultural behaviors. The challenge for the young Swarovski Open Innovation Networks approach is to find ways to manage diversified networks of connections which blur boundaries, collaboration, and interdependence, thus characterizing the real logics of modern innovation ecosystems. The tremendous potential that has been recognized and captured from different R&D efforts of big industry players and research institutes through structured Open Innovation efforts - and how this new value may be transformed into the company’s markets - is the central topic of this article.

Promoting water-related innovation through networked acceleration: Insights from the Water Innovation Accelerator

The current state of the water and sanitation sector has put water-related innovations high on the global policy agenda. However, the systemic complexity that typically surrounds such contexts call for actionable knowledge of how to enable and orchestrate innovative solutions by connecting different players via organized networks. In this study we explore and analyse the Water Innovation Accelerator, which is a virtual network-centred incubator model designed and implemented in Sweden. Framed by theory and research on open innovation, incubation models, and entrepreneurial networks we provide an analysis of the design, working and performance of the Water Innovation Accelerator. In sum, our findings provide empirical support for virtual accelerators as an effective means to aid the development and market uptake of water related innovative solutions. Its overall effectiveness builds on its ability to bring private and public actors with different assets and competencies together via its entrepreneurial network, where the incubator team play a critical role for identifying and encouraging network-embedded innovation opportunities. However, the perceived effectiveness of the acceleration process for SMEs seems to be contingent on whether they are positioned in later stages of the innovation process, as well as their proximity to the incubator network. In these respects, the study provides valuable insights that may aid researchers, incubation managers and policy makers in current and future efforts to accelerate water innovation.

The effect of network structure on radical innovation in living labs

PurposeThis study aims to focus on living labs as a means of achieving radical innovation by discussing the differences in their network structure and its effect on the type of innovation outcome.Design/methodology/approachThis research analyses 24 living labs in four countries using qualitative methods.FindingsA specific network structure referred to as a distributed multiplex supports radical innovation in living labs, while distributed and centralized network structures support incremental innovations. Also, the results suggest that radical innovation depends on the driving actor and objectives in a living lab.Research limitations/implicationsA bias on the perceived novelty of innovation may exist when analyzing data collected through interviews with a limited number of living lab participants compared to a large number of informants. This study proposes a two-dimensional framework based on the network structure to investigate innovation in living labs.Practical implicationsThis paper offers a classification tool to identify, categorize and make sense of organizations’ participation in open innovation networks and in living labs.Originality/valueThe study provides evidence that, although the distributed multiplex network structure supports the emergence of radical innovations, the distributed and centralized network structures support incremental innovation. A combination of a provider- or utilizer-driven living lab and a distributed multiplex network structure, with a clearly defined and future-oriented strategic objective, offers good potential for radical innovation to occur.

A TOP-DOWN AND BOTTOM-UP APPROACH TO IMPROVE REGIONAL INNOVATION ECOSYSTEMS IN PORTUGAL

The objective of this article is to present a successful program that built a National Innovation Network based in the University Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs), incubators and science parks.The University Technology Enterprise Network (UTEN), which was launched in March 2007, includes 15 Portuguese Universities and select international partners in a 5-Year program funded by the Portuguese government. The main objective has been to accelerate the development of a sustainable, globally competitive, professional technology transfer and commercialization network within Portugal to increase Portugal’s international competitiveness in university–based science, and technology transfer and commercialization. We argue that all initiatives taken place in the project have gotten UTEN network presently run in the Open Innovation paradigm fostered mostly by the TTOs and their own networks and officers. Science and technology based entrepreneurship was increasingly seen as a key element of Portugal’s ability to grow and prosper (UTEN, 2012). Research universities had worked to foster a range of technology transfer and commercialization activities and offices, together with industrial liaison programs, mostly devoted to fostering entrepreneurial environments, launching technology based start-ups, and bringing ideas from the laboratory to the market. UTEN was created to synergize this growth and stimulate new competencies in international technology transfer and commercialization to facilitate industry access to leading markets worldwide. In other words, UTEN is the living example of an Innovation network - an Open Innovation Network launched to contribute to build the necessary relationships between all actors, giving them the necessary knowledge to play their roles. This working paper shows the actions taken to construct UTEN and improve the Portuguese Innovation Ecosystem. These actions follows the patterns observed in other studies – essentially those ones from Resende et al, 2013; McAdam et al., 2012; Philpott et al., 2011; Todorovic et al., 2011; Rogers, 2002; Rogers et al., 2001; Rogers et al., 2000 and Gibson and Rogers, 1994.We have collected data that shows the success of the program based on the results of the first five years of the project.

Promoting innovation through a virtual incubator model: The Water Innovation Accelerator (WIN)

In this study we explore and analyse a virtual network-centred incubator model called the Water Innovation Accelerator (WIN). The incubator model has been designed and implemented in Sweden to enable and orchestrate water-related innovative solutions by connecting different players via organized networks. Framed by theory and research on open innovation, incubation models, and entrepreneurial networks we provide an overview of the overall design, management and organization of WIN. We also analyse and assess the working and performance of WIN with respect to its purpose to aid the development and market uptake of water related innovative solutions via its entrepreneurial network. Our findings offer theoretical and empirical insights to researchers, policy makers and incubation managers that may aid current and future efforts to accelerate water innovation. (Less)

Network Strategies of Research Intermediaries in Collaborative R&D

This study examines how a research intermediary deals with dependence and uncertainty in network relationships in shared R&D programs. Specifically, we seek to understand how the research intermediary can successfully facilitate ties among heterogeneous network partners while mitigating dependence and uncertainty in open innovation networks for R&D collaboration. For that purpose, this research explores the role on two apparently opposing network strategies: tertius gaudens and tertius iungens. While tertius gaudens uses the intermediary position to create its own advantage through exploitation of asymmetric resource flows, tertius iungens uses the same position to maximise value for all network partners. Using a qualitative in-depth case study, the paper explores a number of factors that may influence the enactment of these strategies. The findings suggest that both strategies are used by the research intermediary, however, the use of tertius gaudens strategies is constrained by the risks for the relationships with the network partners.

Towards the realization of smart life care society : With a focus on approaches of COINS (Center of Open Innovation Network for Smart Health)

Towards the realization of smart life care society : With a focus on approaches of COINS (Center of Open Innovation Network for Smart Health)

Targeted innovation policy and practice intelligence (TIP2E): concepts and implications for theory, policy and practice

The paper touches upon the different sides of cutting-edge science, technology and innovation (STI) policy concepts such as clusters and smart specialization and STI management such as open innovation and foresight which are of great interest to researches, scientists and managers in course of building successful business and creating dynamic regions, identifying the priorities of future, coping with uncertainty and rising risks, heated by the global challenges. In particular, we explore the dynamics and interactions of intelligent clusters, research and innovation smart specialization strategies, targeted open innovation and foresight networks within the context of entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystems. Having investigated the benefits and potential threats of open innovation and foresight from different standpoints within innovation ecosystems and smart specialisation, the recent trend of shifting priority setting into technological and social dimensions with the aim of developing specialized clusters and regions is underlined. The identified tight linkage between the fruits from cluster smart specialization, open innovation and foresight enables implementing simultaneously all of them at various stages of innovation process. Thereafter the analysis of innovative collaboration forms reveals that the holistic views of open innovators and rational application of foresight are becoming the central message of the strategy development and implementation process.

개방형 혁신 네트워크의 동태적 모형

Literatures on open innovation have two major limitations. First, either on a firm level or on an industry level did they analyze the open innovation issues. The results of a firm's innovation can be diffused through the whole network and the firm can learn back from the network knowledge. Prior literatures did not consider the feedback loop among firms and network in which the firms are involved. Second, most open innovation research had a static perspective on firm's innovation performance. Since the diffusion, spill-over and learning among network members are involved over time, the open innovation is intrinsically dynamic. From the dynamic perspective, we can appreciate the fundamental attributes of the open innovation network which involves diverse firms, research institutes, and universities. In order to overcome the limitations, we suggest a dynamic model for open innovation network. We build an agent-based model which consists of heterogeneous firms. The firms are connected through a scale-free network which is formed by preferential attachment. Through the diverse scenario of simulation, we collect massive data on the firm level and analyze them both on firm and industry level. From the analysis, we found that, on industry level, the overall performance of open innovation increases as the internal research capability, absorptive capacity, and learning curve coefficient increase. Noticeably, as the deprecation rate of knowledge increases, the variability of knowledge increases. From the firm level analysis, we found that the industry-level variables had a significant effect on the firm's innovation performance lasting through all the time, whereas the firm-level variables had only on the early phase of innovation.

New drugs from Japan will be created from the nation-wide open style innovation network

New drugs from Japan will be created from the nation-wide open style innovation network

Regional Innovation Reloaded: A Methodology for the Simulation of Open Innovation Networks

Regional Innovation Reloaded: A Methodology for the Simulation of Open Innovation Networks

Kennisuitwisseling voor innovatieontwikkeling in open-innovatienetwerken

Knowledge exchange for innovation development in open innovation systems Knowledge exchange for innovation development in open innovation systems ‘Living Lab research’ has been put forward by the European Commission as a solution to bridge the gap between knowledge exploration and exploitation. In this context, the European Network of Living Labs was founded in 2006. However, these Living Labs have not yet reached their full potential. Therefore, conceptualizing and understanding the mechanisms and processes within these Living Labs is necessary. Based on a case study analysis, this paper investigates the potential of Living Labs as open innovation networks and the ability to share knowledge between different actors within these networks. It elaborates on (parameters that affect) knowledge transfers within an open innovation network. Due to the particular constellation as an open innovation network, Living Labs can be a solution for sustainable innovation developments. This open innovation network acts as an innovation intermediary within the innovation projects taking place during the Living Lab allowing optimization of knowledge transfers between the participating actors.

Development of small and medium-sized enterprise horizontal innovation networks: UK agri-food sector study

Within the management literature, there is an emergent discourse on horizontal collaboration among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), whereby individual rivalries are overcome by the need for more resources and innovation, leading to increased competitiveness through joint product development. In particular, a number of these horizontal collaborations between SMEs have occurred within the agri-food sector. As a consequence, this article aims to explore the longitudinal development of horizontal innovation networks within an artisan bakers’ network as part of the UK SME agri-food sector. An interpretivist research approach was used, whereby the development and evolution of an artisan bakers’ horizontal network was studied over a 27-month period. The findings, as summarised in conceptual models which draw upon knowledge-based open innovation and social network constructs, illustrate that a complex three-stage life cycle development occurred within the bakers’ horizontal network.

Monitoring permeable paver runoff with an open-innovation geospatial sensor network

Sensor networks are an essential tool for environmental scientists. As scientists and engineers are beginning to utilize these new methods and devices in their fieldwork, they need to be actively involved in the future of sensor-networking development. Continued sensor network innovation is important for improved standardization, affordability, and interoperability. This article uses a storm water case study to outline an end-to-end open-innovation sensor network. Open innovation by scientists, engineers, and entities is the collaborative process of creating value for this project in permeable paver runoff data and advances within sensor networking. This article focuses on the technical implementation of the near–real-time location and temporally aware sensor network. Data are streamed in near–real-time with subliter precision to the cloud using common off-the-shelf routers. The sensors use Maxim's 1-wire™ protocol, and the unique digital serial numbers confirm the data. The data retrieved compare residence times within the permeable paver catchment basins and the control basin. Sensor network advances are made by bridging the gap between sensor protocols and communication systems. These advances enable the development of open-source representational state transfer web services. Our successful implementation serves as an example for others to study and expand upon for a variety of monitoring solutions.

Actor roles and role patterns influencing innovation in living labs

Innovation networks are embodied and shaped by their participants. This paper examines actors' roles in living labs, which are defined as networks of open innovation. The study utilizes four approaches to roles: structuralist, symbolic interactionist, resource-based, and action-based approaches. Our empirical analysis of 26 living labs in four different countries identifies a number of actor roles associated with open innovation. In addition, it reveals four role patterns characteristic of living labs: (i) ambidexterity, (ii) reciprocity, (iii) temporality, and (iv) multiplicity. These patterns distinguish actor collaboration in networks characterized by heterogeneous actors, the coexistence of individual and shared motives, high degree of openness, and user involvement. Scholars and practitioners of innovation learn that understanding of role patterns in living labs can contribute to building, utilization, and orchestration of open innovation networks.