Title: Collaborative competitors in a fast-changing technology environment: open innovation in environmental technology development in the oil and gas industry

Authors: Amir Bahman Radnejad; Harrie Vredenburg

Addresses: Haskayne School of Business, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, T2N 1N4, Canada ' Haskayne School of Business, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, T2N 1N4, Canada

Abstract: The open innovation model has been the topic of many studies, but studies of applications of the model in resource-based industries are scarce. In this research, we examine the deployment of the open innovation model in resource-based industries through the case of the Canadian oil and gas sector. Our findings show that the need for technical innovation is rapidly increasing as a result of the nature of the new complex fossil fuel reservoirs the industry is now developing. High research and development costs, long development cycles, resistance to change and high technical risk, we find, are obstacles hindering the development of new innovative technologies. In response to these challenges to innovation, the Canadian industry experimented with a unique model of open innovation by establishing an industry-level organisation. In this study, we explore this emerging model of open innovation and interpret its successes and failures through the use of the theoretical literature. The conceptual model that we derive combines strategic bridging organisational concepts with open innovation ideas to help us understand the building of an innovative technologies network at the industry level.

Keywords: open innovation; collaboration; strategic technology alliances; STA; strategic alliances; innovation management; innovation intermediaries; organisational bridging; resource-based industry; absorptive capacity; PTAC; sustainable development; energy technology; Canada; oil and gas industry; sustainability; collaborative competitors; Canada; environmental technology; technology development.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEIM.2015.068424

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management, 2015 Vol.19 No.1/2, pp.77 - 98

Received: 04 Dec 2012
Accepted: 23 Oct 2013
Published online: 03 Apr 2015 *

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