Managing knowledge flows within open innovation: knowledge sharing and absorption mechanisms in collaborative innovation

Abstract

AbstractThis paper aims to explore the bottom-up emergence of inter-organizational knowledge flow mechanisms within collaborative innovation processes in the research-based organizations, including universities and companies. The knowledge flow mechanism in collaborative innovation is viewed from the process of knowledge sharing and absorption. The data is primarily based on interviews with representatives of the case organizations involved in open innovation projects, who also act as actors in the collaborative innovation processes. This research discovers and provides insights into the mechanisms used in knowledge sharing and absorption. It also posits the role of actors as ‘intermediaries’ in the process of cross-organizational team interaction in managing knowledge flows.

Keywords

• Open innovation
• collaborative innovation
• knowledge flow
• knowledge sharing
• absorptive capacity
• Maria Garcia-Haro, University of Castilla-La Mancha: Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Spain