Title: Open innovation profile in small and medium-sized firms. The perspective of technology centres and business associations

Authors: Ana Carolina S. Carvalho; António Carrizo Moreira

Addresses: ISCA-UA, University of Aveiro, R. Associação Humanitária dos Bombeiros Voluntários de Aveiro, 3810-500 Aveiro, Portugal ' DEGEI, GOVCOPP, University of Aveiro Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal

Abstract: This work seeks to understand and characterise the innovative profile of Portuguese SMEs within the context of open innovation. The analysis draws on interviews conducted with the business associations and technological centres in the moulds, footwear and automotive industries in Portugal. The study conducted here follows an exploratory approach. This study suggests that while open innovation is relatively widespread in its adoption of external knowledge, technology transfer outside the business is less commonplace. The innovation partners are varied, chosen based on competence and experience as well as their networking ability.

Keywords: open innovation; small and medium-sized enterprises; SMEs; relationships; innovation partners; Portugal; technology centres; business associations; mould industry; footwear industry; automobile industry; automotive innovation; external knowledge; technology transfer; competence; experience; networking ability.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIL.2015.070242

International Journal of Innovation and Learning, 2015 Vol.18 No.1, pp.4 - 22

Published online: 01 Jul 2015 *

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