Investigating Current Directions in Cross-Industry Innovation Research – a Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Abstract Background: The companies’ operative environment is covered by a constant change through digitization, industry 4.0, artificial intelligence and megatrends, which pose enormous challenges. In order to master these challenges, the development of knowledge from foreign industries is a possible solution. This phenomenon is called cross-industry innovation. The aim of this study is to identify major directions in cross-industry innovation research. An essential part of science is to build on and enhance already published knowledge. In order to identify this knowledge and to offer a comprehensible and reproducible process, a systematic approach is required. For this study, a systematic literature review will be applied. During the review of the relevant literature, an understanding of the broad and deep nature of the literature emerges and it is possible to identify research gaps, which is often based on qualitative analyses. We will develop a new approach for analyzing literature based on semantic similarity analysis. Methods: In order to achieve the research objectives a systematic literature review is applied and slightly modified. First, we will apply a systematic literature review protocol to establish reproducible results. Second, we develop a new approach for analyzing literature using a combination of semantic similarity analysis and a cluster analysis. Conclusion: This review will aid in determining the directions of cross-industry innovation. Overall, six directions of cross-industry innovation research can be identified. Furthermore, this study offers a new approach for analyzing literature based on quantitative analysis like semantic similarity analysis.