Title: The effect of open innovation strategies on business models. A multiple case study in the automotive sector

Authors: Ignacio Odriozola-Fernández; Jasmina Berbegal-Mirabent

Addresses: Department of Economy and Business Organization, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, C. Immaculada, 22, 08017 Barcelona, Spain ' Department of Economy and Business Organization, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, C. Immaculada, 22, 08017 Barcelona, Spain

Abstract: Open innovation allows information to be obtained by a company from outside in, and vice versa, in order to achieve improved relationships and better innovation performance in all parties involved in the business environment. This study explores how the adoption of an open innovation strategy changes the business model, specifically, in the case of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Previous studies have mainly addressed this topic theoretically, and the original contribution of the approach in the present study stems from providing evidence from real cases. A multiple case study examines four cases in the automotive sector. A number of open innovation strategies are analysed, paying special attention to how they have shaped the company's business model and, ultimately, their impact on company performance. The overreaching conclusion is that the implementation of open innovation strategies helps companies to focus on its strengths and boosts them. This leads to a redefinition of the business model, so that they are better adapted not only to the essence of the companies but also to the demands of the market.

Keywords: open innovation; business models; SMEs; case study.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIPM.2020.108084

International Journal of Intellectual Property Management, 2020 Vol.10 No.2, pp.180 - 198

Received: 04 Jun 2019
Accepted: 10 Jun 2019

Published online: 02 Jul 2020 *

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