Implementation of Open Innovation in Process B2B Industries

Eidam Sebastian, Brockhaus Eva, Kehrel Uwe

Abstract

In a survey including 42 companies within the chemical B2B industry, a traditionally process-dominated industry, the dissemination and usage of Open Innovation (OI) approaches are investigated. The paper focusses on the motivation and consequent strategies and tools for implementation of OI. Besides the descriptive summary of the empirical evidence for OI, the success of projects and perceived satisfaction with the chosen approach is studied using qualitative comparative analysis (QCA). The results show a very divergent picture of the chemical B2B industry and its OI approaches, as only 52% of the participants state to use OI. However, the potential to use OI for exploration and exploitation purposes in the chemical B2B industry is also revealed, which is of highest importance for a productive and successful implementation of OI in the chemical B2B industry. Further, the need of high top management support to successful implement an OI approach is shown.