Exploring innovation through open networks: A review and initial research questions

Abstract

The open innovation strategy as an emerging approach towards innovation is beginning to receive attention from organisations and researchers. Open innovation signifies opening up of internal R&D by leveraging inflow and outflow of knowledge. Open network is one mechanism of open innovation, which brings solvers from different domains to work on problems posted by seekers. Since solvers and seekers serve as the foundation for the realisation of the open innovation strategy, such understanding is imperative to encourage participation and realise benefits from open networks. This article investigates the potential factors that can promote solvers' and seekers' participation in open networks.

Keywords

• Inbound open innovation
• Knowledge brokering
• Open networks
• Innovation performance
• Seekers
• Solvers