Purpose: How can joint open innovation (OI) projects between small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and large companies (LCs) be effectively managed? This study aims to try to answer this research question with a focus on the critical success factors (CSFs) of such cooperation. Design/methodology/approach: Based on 40 semi-structured interviews with Italian SMEs and LCs engaged in various industries, 20 open OI projects involving SMEs and LCs are investigated using a reflexive thematic analysis, a methodology involving both deductive and inductive approaches. Findings: Fifteen CSFs grouped into seven categories emerge from the analysis of joint OI projects between SMEs and LCs. Among them, shared leadership, dynamic decision-making and priority setting emerge as essential elements at the basis of the proposed SMEs–LCs cooperation in joint OI projects that were not sufficiently addressed by prior studies. Originality/value: To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to provide an evidence-based framework for managing joint OI projects between SMEs and LCs. Relatedly, this study links the practices and most recurring CSFs that facilitate such cooperation.

Managing open innovation projects: An evidence-based framework for SMEs and large companies' cooperation / Giardino, Pier Luigi; Cristofaro, Matteo; Marullo, Cristina. - In: MANAGEMENT RESEARCH REVIEW. - ISSN 2040-8269. - 2023, 46:8(2023), pp. 1163-1183. [10.1108/MRR-02-2022-0117]

Managing open innovation projects: An evidence-based framework for SMEs and large companies' cooperation

Giardino, Pier Luigi
Primo
;
2023-01-01

Abstract

Purpose: How can joint open innovation (OI) projects between small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and large companies (LCs) be effectively managed? This study aims to try to answer this research question with a focus on the critical success factors (CSFs) of such cooperation. Design/methodology/approach: Based on 40 semi-structured interviews with Italian SMEs and LCs engaged in various industries, 20 open OI projects involving SMEs and LCs are investigated using a reflexive thematic analysis, a methodology involving both deductive and inductive approaches. Findings: Fifteen CSFs grouped into seven categories emerge from the analysis of joint OI projects between SMEs and LCs. Among them, shared leadership, dynamic decision-making and priority setting emerge as essential elements at the basis of the proposed SMEs–LCs cooperation in joint OI projects that were not sufficiently addressed by prior studies. Originality/value: To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to provide an evidence-based framework for managing joint OI projects between SMEs and LCs. Relatedly, this study links the practices and most recurring CSFs that facilitate such cooperation.
2023
8
Giardino, Pier Luigi; Cristofaro, Matteo; Marullo, Cristina
Managing open innovation projects: An evidence-based framework for SMEs and large companies' cooperation / Giardino, Pier Luigi; Cristofaro, Matteo; Marullo, Cristina. - In: MANAGEMENT RESEARCH REVIEW. - ISSN 2040-8269. - 2023, 46:8(2023), pp. 1163-1183. [10.1108/MRR-02-2022-0117]
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11572/362024
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