The fine line between success and failure: an analysis of open innovation projects

Abstract

PurposeDespite the multiple calls for research on the dark side of open innovation, very few studies have approached the topic so far. This study aims to analyse successful and unsuccessful open innovation projects.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses thematic analysis to describe the factors determining their (un)success. The researchers interviewed 27 managers and owners in the manufacturing sector. Then, the respondents were asked to discuss one successful and one unsuccessful open innovation project to explore the differences in triggers and setbacks, focusing on the causes that determined the failures.FindingsFindings show that many interviewees are reluctant to identify failure cases, which somewhat explains the paucity of studies on the topic, and others do so when the failure is recognised by a third party (such as a public institution not granting funds to the project). This study discussed how this phenomenon is linked with the paradoxical relation between innovation success and failure. It is also found that triggers and setbacks determining the project's (un)success are markedly differently based on the technological intensity of the firm. Implications for scholars and practitioners are also drawn.Originality/valueThis study provides a balanced view between open innovation successes and failures to offer informative recommendations to practitioners. Furthermore, it contributes to filling the scarcity of studies related to risks and failures of open innovation projects. This gap has been addressed by studying the factors that determine the success and unsuccess of an open innovation project.

Rethinking Open Innovation from Resources Based View and Dynamic Capability Perspective: Determinants and Its Consequences

“…A number of studies (Grimaldi et al, 2013;Brunswicker & Vanhaverbeke, 2015) collaborated patterns of internal ability with innovation styles from closed to open. Greco et al (2022) explain that open innovation can fail if it is not done carefully. A study of 213 Taiwanese organizations of various sizes (Cheng et al, 2016) found that the relationship between knowledge openness and innovation ability was complex.…”

Is any open innovation pattern emerging in the Italian fashion field? Preliminary evidence from some case studies

“…As regards the collaboration with different partners, Becheikh et al (2006) introduced the concept of "networking". The interaction with external partners helps firms bridge gaps in their information, scientific knowledge, resources and competencies (Chatzoglou and Chatzoudes, 2017;Greco et al, 2022a), thus suggesting a positive correlation between innovation and networking. The fashion industry involves numerous activities, occupations and roles, thus making innovation a complex task (Lin, 2018).…”

“…(2006) introduced the concept of “networking”. The interaction with external partners helps firms bridge gaps in their information, scientific knowledge, resources and competencies (Chatzoglou and Chatzoudes, 2017; Greco et al. , 2022a), thus suggesting a positive correlation between innovation and networking.…”

Causes of Failure of Open Innovation Practices in Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises

“…Open innovation allows them to tap into external expertise, ideas, and resources, leveraging collaboration with other firms, research institutions, and even customers. Open innovation is a double-edged sword, with a fine line between success and failure, as reported by Greco et al (2022). Open innovation, while promising, comes with its share of failures, challenges, and risks.…”