Open Innovation Systems in Developing Countries: Sustainable Digital Networks and Collaboration in Smes

Abstract

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries may gain numerous benefits when collaborating with external partners during their innovation projects. Their limitations to innovate independently direct them toward other subjects, with whom collaboration is of mutual interest. However, SMEs in developing countries are also found to face many obstacles while engaging in this kind of relationship, so it is not easy to translate experiences from de veloped countries into this context. There are many online tools that foster this type of collaboration, but SMEs in de veloping countries are rarely able to design and maintain this kind of ecosystem on their own. The purpose of this paper is to analyze how SMEs in developing countries may successfully utilize digital networks to collaborate with ex ternal partners. The goal of this paper is to provide insights for practitioners in developing countries into how to design and maintain digital networks for open innovation (OI). This paper provides a brief review of contemporary collabo ration tools that are effectively used in OI, which is followed by a review of obstacles that SMEs face when trying to use digital networks. Finally, the paper provides conclusions about the practices that these SMEs could use to collab orate online using appropriate tools.

Analyzing the Level of Digitalization among the Enterprises of the European Union Member States and Their Impact on Economic Growth

“…With regard to this area, it can be helpful to use solutions contained in the concept of open innovation, which in the light of the digitalization of companies can be a driving force and significantly accelerate this process [100]. In the light of the conducted research, countries of the so called "new union" seem to be an ideal area where digitalization is at a low level and the implementation of the IO concept gives great opportunities to benefit from the experience of other countries and companies [101][102][103]. The application and inclusion of the IO concept in the development strategy of this region should enable its rapid development and entry into new markets, while stimulating the activities of the "old union" countries (synergy phenomenon).…”

Innovation Systems and Sustainability. Development of a Methodology on Innovation Systems for the Measurement of Sustainability Indicators in Regions Based on a Colombian Case Study

“…Urban space management, with adequate design and distribution of infrastructure. [5,16,83,89,94] Does the region have an adequate distribution of the POT for the development of its economic sectors and the location of its population?…”

Why Localization Is Necessary as a Business Strategy in Emerging Markets: The Case Comparison of Hyundai and Volkswagen

“…To survive in fast-changing, competitive emerging markets, it is important for MNEs to unlock hidden opportunities. However, according to existing research, lack of infrastructure in emerging markets hinders SMEs' active transmission of their experience and expertise [63], and this problem also applies to the case of MNEs. MNEs' executives nowadays feel a strong need for open innovation as their solution-a business management model that promotes collaboration with people and organizations outside the company [64].…”