Challenges of open innovation: the paradox of firm investment in open-source software

Open innovation is a powerful framework encompassing the generation, capture, and employment of intellectual property at the firm level. We identify three fundamental challenges for firms in applying the concept of open innovation: finding creative ways to exploit internal innovation, incorporating external innovation into internal development, and motivating outsiders to supply an ongoing stream of external innovations. This latter challenge involves a paradox, why would firms spend money on R&D efforts if the results of these efforts are available to rival firms? To explore these challenges, we examine the activity of firms in opensource software to support their innovation strategies. Firms involved in open-source software often make investments that will be shared with real and potential rivals. We identify four strategies firms employ – pooled R&D/product development, spinouts, selling complements and attracting donated complements – and discuss how they address the three key challenges of open innovation. We conclude with suggestions for how similar strategies may apply in other industries and offer some possible avenues for future research on open innovation

Geographical distance of innovation collaborations

This paper explores the geographical distance of innovation collaborations in high tech small firms. We test if absorptive capacity is a key determinant. Drawing on survey data from a sample of 316 Dutch high-tech small firms, engaging in 1.245 collaborations, we find most partners to be ‘local’. However, controlling for a variety of potential influences, higher R&D expenditure is positively related to collaboration with more distant organisations.  

China's absorptive State: research, innovation and the prospects for China-UK collaboration

China's innovation system is advancing so rapidly in multiple directions that the UK needs to develop a more ambitious and tailored strategy, able to maximise opportunities and minimise risks across the diversity of its innovation links to China. For the UK, the choice is not whether to engage more deeply with the Chinese system, but how. This report analyses the policies, prospects and dilemmas for Chinese research and innovation over the next decade. It is designed to inform a more strategic approach to supporting China-UK collaboration

The influence of absorptive capacity, sources of information and technological acquisition in the technological innovation breadth of manufacturing companies

This article is an approach to new definitions of materiality as applied to corporate performance and disclosure practices. Over time, the materiality lens will have implications for multiple operating areas. They will range from; risk and compliance to strategy setting, corporate policy and governance, management practices including stakeholder engagement, and even human resource management. In the second part there is a presentation of the definitions, scope and perspectives of materiality according to six relevant standard-setters in the field of sustainability reporting. Finally there is the presentation of how materiality is reported according to the six biggest groups of quoted companies in Spain.Este art?culo es un acercamiento a las nuevas definiciones de materialidad aplicadas al desempe?o corporativo y las pr?cticas de divulgaci?n. Con el tiempo, la lente de materialidad tendr? implicaciones para m?ltiples ?reas operativas. Van desde; riesgo y cumplimiento de la configuraci?n de la estrategia, la pol?tica corporativa y la gobernanza, las pr?cticas de gesti?n, incluida la participaci?n de las partes interesadas, e incluso la gesti?n de recursos humanos. En la segunda parte, se presentan las definiciones, el alcance y las perspectivas de materialidad de acuerdo con seis emisores de normas relevantes en el campo de los informes de sostenibilidad. Finalmente est? la presentaci?n de c?mo se informa la materialidad seg?n los seis grupos m?s grandes de empresas cotizadas en Espa?a

Analyzing the Medium-Low and Low- Technology Firms’ Innovative Behavior in an Emerging Economy

Objective. Design a model that shows what factors favor the development of technological innovation in manufacturing companies of medium-low and low technological intensity. Methodology. A sample of 1106 manufacturing companies that participated in the innovation surveys in 2012 and 2015 was used, applying the partial structural equations approach and estimating the invariance between the two groups. Results. The results of this study from the structural model, which allow obtaining the positive and statistically significant coefficients, which allow empirically validating the hypotheses. Conclusions. It was evidenced that non-technological innovation, absorption capacity and technologicalacquisition favor technological innovation in companies with low technological intensity.This article confirms that manufacturing companies should guide efforts to improve their capacity for innovation