IMPLEMENTATION OF OPEN INNOVATION STRATEGIES: A BUYER–SUPPLIER PERSPECTIVE

The open innovation concept has been discussed for more than a decade. However, there are relatively few studies related to implementation of open innovation. Barriers of implementation have been identified, but they are not related to the external knowledge searched for. This multiple-case study adds to current understanding of implementing open innovation strategies by focusing on the cooperation and coordination challenges when opening up for different types of supplier knowledge. Possible solutions and trade-offs between short-term benefits and long-term goals are presented that take into consideration the character of knowledge and human behavior. By applying theories such as knowledge-based view and transaction cost theories on empirical findings, different explanations are sought that bring new insights into managing open innovation.