External knowledge search paths in open innovation processes of small and medium enterprises

Author:

Chaochotechuang PreechaORCID,Daneshgar Farhad,Mariano Stefania

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to advance knowledge by exploring how small and medium enterprises (SMEs) search for external knowledge in their open innovation processes, and how the search can be advanced. Design/methodology/approach This exploratory research employs a qualitative multiple case study design. A literature review of open innovation in SMEs and external knowledge search is used to build the premises of this study. Semi-structured interviews with eight SMEs are employed to collect subsequent exploratory empirical data. Findings This exploratory study revealed that SMEs adopted a combination of cognitive and experiential search heuristics where cognitive search was practiced during the innovation research process when searching for external knowledge, whilst experiential search was practiced during the innovation development process. Concerning the search space, this study found that SMEs mainly explored local knowledge, and occasionally pursued distant knowledge when confronted with complex problems. The reason for the above behavior was explained to be related to the reduction of costs and risks associated with innovation activities. Originality/value External knowledge plays a pivotal role in open innovation. Although extant studies have shed some light on how large firms search for external knowledge, however, it is not clear how SMEs search for external knowledge. Moreover, this study focuses on learning about both the search space and the search heuristics at both the research and the development stages of the innovation process.

Publisher

Emerald

Subject

Management of Technology and Innovation

Reference118 articles.

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2. Rethinking the role of intermediaries as an architect of collective exploration and creation of knowledge in open innovation;International Journal of Innovation Management,2013

3. Where do resources come from? The role of idiosyncratic situations;Strategic Management Journal,2004

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