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Enabling Open Innovation in Small and Medium Enterprises: A Dynamic Capabilities Approach
Author(s) -
Grimaldi Michele,
Quinto Ivana,
Rippa Pierluigi
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
knowledge and process management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.341
H-Index - 44
eISSN - 1099-1441
pISSN - 1092-4604
DOI - 10.1002/kpm.1423
Subject(s) - dynamic capabilities , portfolio , open innovation , context (archaeology) , knowledge management , process (computing) , business , patent portfolio , small and medium sized enterprises , industrial organization , computer science , process management , paleontology , finance , intellectual property , biology , operating system
This paper aims at exploring the critical dynamic capabilities of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the innovation process and at identifying the dynamic capabilities that enable the implementation of open innovation practices. Building on qualitative data from the manufacturing industry deriving from an in‐depth investigation of the capabilities of four innovative case firms, the patterns between the firm's portfolio of dynamic capabilities and the different types of open innovation processes are mapped. This study makes three primary contributions to the body of knowledge. This is the first attempt to link dynamic capabilities to an open innovation approach undertaken by SMEs. Second, the study extends existing work on innovation in SMEs by identifying key dynamic capabilities in this context. Finally, the case‐based research provides empirical evidence of dynamic capabilities in practices, where analysis reveals that companies with strong sensing, seizing and reconfiguring capabilities are more inclined to develop open innovation approaches. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.