OPEN INNOVATION IN RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY ORGANISATIONS: AN EXPLORATION OF THE PHENOMENON

Abstract

This article empirically analyses open innovation (OI) in 37 Spanish research and technology organisations (RTOs) based on a survey carried out among their managers. The research shows the wide use of OI by the RTOs, in accordance with their role as intermediaries in innovation systems. In comparison with companies, RTOs show skills in the management of AI emphasising its use as a strategy for responding to the demands of companies, improving their technology and ensuring its sustainability, while the search for efficiency and the risks reduction in innovation are less relevant. Additionally, several key improvement areas for RTOs are identified (international collaboration, knowledge exploitation practices, OI management and IPR protection). Key Words: Open Innovation, research and technology organisations, organisational aperture, intellectual property, management