Open Innovation of James Watt and Steve Jobs: Insights for Sustainability of Economic Growth

JinHyo Joseph Yun, Kwangho Jung and Tan Yigitcanlar
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JinHyo Joseph Yun: Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), 333, Techno Jungang-daero, Hyeonpung-myeon, Dalseon-gun, Daegu 42988, Korea
Kwangho Jung: Korea Institute of Public Affairs, Graduate School of Public Administration, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 086626, Korea
Tan Yigitcanlar: School of Civil Engineering and Built Environment, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), 2 George Street, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia

Sustainability, 2018, vol. 10, issue 5, 1-16

Abstract: This paper analyzes open innovation approach similarities and differences of James Watt and Steve Jobs—symbolic entrepreneurs of the First and Fourth Industrial Revolutions, respectively. The methodologic approach includes a review of the literature. Firstly, the key characteristics of the First and Fourth Industrial Revolutions are determined by comprehensively reviewing the literature—particularly books on both legendary innovation entrepreneurs. Secondly, the related preceding research that describes open innovation characteristics that James Watt and Steve Jobs possessed are critically analyzed. Thirdly, open innovation strategies promoted by the two innovation entrepreneurs are scrutinized by analyzing the related literature. The findings reveal the common and differing points of the two entrepreneurs’ open innovation strategies and approaches. This paper serves as an editorial piece and introduces the special issue entitled ‘Sustainability of Economic Growth: Combining Technology, Market, and Society’, where the special issue contains 19 papers directly related to the open innovation strategy of Steve Jobs and James Watt.

Keywords: James Watt; Steve Jobs; open innovation; innovation strategy; sustainability; economic growth; innovation entrepreneurship (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (7)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:10:y:2018:i:5:p:1553-:d:146161

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