Neo Open Innovation in the Digital Economy : Harnessing Soft Innovation Resources

Successive increases in R&D that creates new functionality are essential for global competitiveness. However, unexpectedly, as a consequence of the two-faced nature of information and communication technology (ICT), excessive R&D results in a marginal productivity decline leading to a decrease in digital value creation. In order to overcome such a dilemma, global ICT firms have been endeavoring to transform themselves into disruptive business model. Neo open innovation that harnesses soft innovation resources may be a solution to this critical question. On the basis of an empirical analysis focusing on forefront endeavors to this dilemma by global ICT firms, this paper attempted to demonstrate the above hypothetical view. Noteworthy findings suggestive to transforming the traditional business model into disruptive innovation that satisfies people’s demand corresponding to their shift in preferences in the digital economy is thus provided. In addition, a new concept for R&D resources in the digital economy is postulated