Mapping coupled open innovation processes from Activity Theory framework

Organisations have started to adopt open innovation processes tosupplement their internal competencies and resources. Adoption of theseprocesses assist them in keeping up with the pace of technology andprotecting their competitive advantage in the market. Despite thesignificance of open innovation processes, there are few studies focusing onthem. The purpose of this study is mapping coupled open innovationprocesses to contribute to the field of open innovation. The case studyresearch was set up to explore how organisations undertake coupled openinnovation processes from the perspective of employees working in a smallmediumsized enterprise. The Activity Theory was used as a researchframework. The research findings revealed how the importing and exportingmechanisms of coupled processes. The findings are discussed to fill theknowledge gaps in the existing literature and help design managementacademia and practice identify future work areas.