Identification of competencies for professionals in open innovation teams

Abstract

In the open innovation management literature, it is widely acknowledged that individuals play a crucial role in collaborative knowledge creation processes. However, the literature tends not to explore the human side of open innovation teams. The present article therefore examines the competencies that professionals need for working in open innovation teams (specific but not necessarily unique to open innovation) and to cope with the challenges they face. A qualitative study consisting of explorative interviews and focus group discussions was conducted, resulting in a competence profile for open innovation professionals. The profile adds a new perspective to the field of open innovation management by focusing on how individuals involved in open innovation teams can enhance open innovation success. It reveals, among other things, how professionals can generate new knowledge, build trust, and deal with low reciprocal commitment in open innovation teams. Especially, brokering solutions and being socially competent seem to be important for open innovation professionals. Companies should focus on these competencies when supporting their professionals in open innovation teams.5 1Combine (c1) Employs integrative (win-win) negotiation strategies rather than distributive (win-lose) strategies. Brokers solutions or outcomes. Thinks in ways that differ from established lines of thought. Agrees to disagree (lose-lose). Considers common goal as most important. Adapts without violating own ideas.

How Do Human Resource Practices Strengthen Open Innovation? An Exploratory Analysis

“…being sociable, active, and talkative (Barrick and Mount, 1991), also coincide with the findings from the case studies in terms of interacting with others and functioning within teams. Being socially competent is also among the three most important competencies for individuals in OI teams according to a study by Du Chatenier et al (2010). Further relevant traits relating to OI that can be derived from the case studies are being brave and passionate.…”

Liminality at Work : Mobile Project Workers In-Between

“…However, most of these studies have been based on a work-oriented approach, grounded in rationalistic approach to competence suggesting a repertoire of fixed knowledge, skills, and abilities that constitute competent performance. For example, Chatenier et al (2010) identified 34 competencies, grouped into social and technical competences, that engineers need in order to act on challenges in open innovation teams. Hecker (1997) emphasized the importance of both technical and non-technical skills for engineers to successfully solve technical problems and simultaneously build a good relationship with colleagues and clients.…”

“…Nevertheless, a great deal of research has addressed the topic of skills and competencies among engineers, often providing extensive lists of the various technical and social skills needed to perform engineering work successfully (e.g., Chatenier et al, 2010;Frank, 2006;Hecker, 1997;Nguyen, 1998). However, most of these studies have been based on a work-oriented approach, grounded in rationalistic approach to competence suggesting a repertoire of fixed knowledge, skills, and abilities that constitute competent performance.…”

Knowledge production at boundaries : an inquiry into collaborations to make management plans for European fisheries

“…The work of du Chatenier et al (2010) on collaborative knowledge creation exemplified approaches that could trigger interesting research questions. The concept of knowledge exchange is now used by scholars interested in knowledge production for natural-resource management (Fazey et al, 2013;Cvitanovic et al, 2015b).…”