The “Hidden Costs” of Open Innovation in SMEs: From Theory to Practice

Cristina Marullo, Alberto Di Minin, Chiara Eleonora De Marco and Andrea Piccaluga

Chapter 2 in Researching Open Innovation in SMEs, 2018, pp 37-68 from World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd.

Abstract: This study explores the process of open innovation (OI) implementation in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with the aim of shedding light on the factors that may either enhance or undermine effectiveness in different contexts. The hypothesis of different paths of OI implementation is shaped across three theoretical dimensions: (1) the combination of open innovation approaches (the choice of the governance mode); (2) the type of knowledge exchanged (scientific knowledge, technological knowledge, product/ market knowledge); and (3) the sectoral innovation system to which the company belongs (characterized by different technological opportunities, innovation sources, and appropriability regimes). A multiple case study design has been adopted in order to investigate how and why the process of OI implementation in SMEs may be bounded by “hidden costs” hampering effectiveness. The study delivers four different paths of OI implementation (science-oriented, technology-driven, application-oriented, and community-driven) and demonstrates that SMEs in each path differently seek opportunities and face different risks.

Keywords: Open Innovation; SME; Entrepreneur; Innovation Ecosystem; Licensing; Ip; Collaboration; Market Partner; Partnerships; Innovation Management; Business Model (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O32 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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