Open innovation is a fundamental strategy in all institutions of higher education which allows them to achieve the goals and mission objectives, having as one of its essential purposes the generation and transfer of knowledge which is sup-ported and achieved by research groups and seedbeds generating innovation and development products of great impact, however, are not always incorporated to meet any requirement or provide solutions in society or in the productive sector among others. The article presents factors of open innovation, which must be analyzed, developed or strengthened within the institutions, therefore, while innovation has an important role, the application and adaptation requires disci-pline and integration with the organizational culture. The article identifies and describes the various components needed to incorporate open innovation in higher education institutions