Title: The road to innovation: exploring key factors driving open innovation in Indian MSME IT and ITES companies

Authors: Praveen Kumar Khanijau; Saboohi Nasim; Mohd Akbar Ansari

Addresses: Department of Business Administration, Frank & Debbie Islam Management Complex, Faculty of Management Studies and Research, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India ' Department of Business Administration, Frank & Debbie Islam Management Complex, Faculty of Management Studies and Research, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India ' BIMTECH, Knowledge Park 2, NCR, Plot Number 5, BIMTECH Rd, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201306, India

Abstract: Indian MSMEs face challenges in implementing open innovation. This study identifies critical success factors and criteria for adopting open innovation in Indian IT and ITES MSMEs. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 participants, including academics, government officials, and MSME representatives, and the data were analysed thematically. The findings highlight that implementing open innovation in Indian MSMEs is hindered by challenges such as inadequate funding and ineffective enforcement of intellectual property laws. Nevertheless, the study identifies essential success criteria, such as government programs promoting open innovation, strategic partnerships with external stakeholders, and fostering a favourable organisational culture. These partnerships provide MSMEs with multiple resources, knowledge, and expertise for driving innovation.

Keywords: open innovation; MSMEs; information technology; information technology enabled services; organisational culture; strategic partnerships; government programs for innovation; India.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBCG.2023.138725

International Journal of Business Competition and Growth, 2023 Vol.8 No.4, pp.287 - 301

Received: 09 Jul 2023
Accepted: 20 Dec 2023
Published online: 29 May 2024 *

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