An it multinational company innovating in the latin america region based on external signals An exploratory case study of how a global t-KIBS company innovates acquiring external signals and converting them into innovation

Abstract

The main objective of this exploratory qualitative case study research is to study the external knowledge acquisition and opportunities translation into innovations. In order to reach this goal it is proposed to use the Peripheral Vision and Absorptive Capacity constructs as lens to study the phenomenon. These two elements composed and combined form a four-phases framework – source, monitoring, interpretation and conversion, which was applied in a Latin America subsidiary of a large Multinational Information Technology Services company. The innovation outcomes were explored as performance evidences of the framework as an innovation process mechanism. As findings we could realise evidences the company seeks and generates innovation mainly using their clients as source, having as outcome, process innovations, with incremental impact. Also we saw the different leadership perspectives about the importance of innovation phases in the framework.

Keywords

• Innovation
• Peripheral vision
• Absortive capacity