Open Innovation in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs): External Knowledge Sourcing Strategies and Internal Organizational Facilitators

In this paper we explore how small and medium-sized enterprises () engage in external knowledge sourcing, a form of inbound open innovation. We draw upon a sample of 1,411 and empirically conceptualize a typology of strategic types of external knowledge sourcing, namely minimal, supply-chain, techno...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of small business management 2015-10, Vol.53 (4), p.1241-1263
Main Authors: Brunswicker, Sabine, Vanhaverbeke, Wim
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Business strategies
Innovation
Innovations
Knowledge
Knowledge management
Small & medium sized enterprises-SME
Small and medium sized enterprises
Sourcing
Strategic management
Studies
Supply chain management
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Summary:In this paper we explore how small and medium-sized enterprises () engage in external knowledge sourcing, a form of inbound open innovation. We draw upon a sample of 1,411 and empirically conceptualize a typology of strategic types of external knowledge sourcing, namely minimal, supply-chain, technology-oriented, application-oriented, and full-scope sourcing. Each strategy reflects the nature of external interactions and is linked to a distinct mixture of four internal practices for managing innovation. Both full-scope and application-oriented sourcing offer performance benefits and are associated with a stronger focus on managing innovation. However, they differ in their managerial focus on strategic and operational aspects.
ISSN:0047-2778
1540-627X
DOI:10.1111/jsbm.12120