Open Innovation in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs): External Knowledge Sourcing Strategies and Internal Organizational Facilitators

Journal of Small Business ManagementVolume 53, Issue 4 p. 1241-1263 Regular Article Open Innovation in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs): External Knowledge Sourcing Strategies and Internal Organizational Facilitators Sabine Brunswicker, Corresponding Author Sabine BrunswickerSabine Brunswicker is associate professor of Innovation and director of the Research Center for Open Digital Innovation (RCODI) at Purdue University. She is also affiliated with ESADE Business School (Spain) and Queensland University of Technology (QUT, Australia).Address correspondence to: S. Brunswicker, Purdue University, Discovery Park, West Lafayette, IN 47907. E-mail: [email protected].Search for more papers by this authorWim Vanhaverbeke, Wim VanhaverbekeWim Vanhaverbeke is professor of Strategy and Innovation Management in the Faculty BEW at Hasselt University (Belgium). He is also visiting professor at ESADE Business School (Spain) and the National University of Singapore.Search for more papers by this author Sabine Brunswicker, Corresponding Author Sabine BrunswickerSabine Brunswicker is associate professor of Innovation and director of the Research Center for Open Digital Innovation (RCODI) at Purdue University. She is also affiliated with ESADE Business School (Spain) and Queensland University of Technology (QUT, Australia).Address correspondence to: S. Brunswicker, Purdue University, Discovery Park, West Lafayette, IN 47907. E-mail: [email protected].Search for more papers by this authorWim Vanhaverbeke, Wim VanhaverbekeWim Vanhaverbeke is professor of Strategy and Innovation Management in the Faculty BEW at Hasselt University (Belgium). He is also visiting professor at ESADE Business School (Spain) and the National University of Singapore.Search for more papers by this author First published: 29 August 2014 https://doi.org/10.1111/jsbm.12120Citations: 388 Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onEmailFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Abstract In this paper we explore how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) engage in external knowledge sourcing, a form of inbound open innovation. We draw upon a sample of 1,411 SMEs and empirically conceptualize a typology of strategic types of external knowledge sourcing, namely minimal, supply-chain, technology-oriented, application-oriented, and full-scope sourcing. Each strategy reflects the nature of external interactions and is linked to a distinct mixture of four internal practices for managing innovation. Both full-scope and application-oriented sourcing offer performance benefits and are associated with a stronger focus on managing innovation. However, they differ in their managerial focus on strategic and operational aspects. References Acs, Z., and D. Audretsch (1987). “Innovation in Large and Small Firms,” Economics Letters 23, 109–112. Adams, R., J. Bessant, and R. Phelps (2006). “Innovation Management Measurement: A Review,” International Journal of Management Reviews 8(1), 21–47. Aschoff, B., T. Doherr, B. Ebersberger, and B. Peters (2006). Innovation in Germany: Results of the German Innovation Survey 2005. 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