Analysis of determinants for Open Innovation implementation in Regional Innovation Systems

Abstract

This study deals with the challenge of implementing an Open Innovation strategy in Regional Innovation Systems. In this context, our research question is: can a Regional Innovation Systems be a favorable environment for Open Innovation implementation? To address this question, the main objective of this paper was to identify and analyze the determinant factors for a successful implementation of Open Innovation in Regional Innovation Systems. The factors were empirically tested through qualitative research involving seven of the key actors in a Regional Innovation Systems in the Paraná state, in southern Brazil. The results suggest that some of the determinants factors and conditions for Open Innovation implementation are: proximity and close relationship with Higher Education Institutions; existence of a governance system to intermediate relationships with knowledge actors outside the regional system; mechanisms of relationship network and knowledge absorptive capacity by the firms constituting the Regional Innovation Systems; and provision of public support (e.g., incentives, funding, infrastructure). Since these determinants are present in the Regional Innovation Systems in question, we conclude that the Regional Innovation Systems offers a favorable environment to Open Innovation implementation. Additionally, we highlight a number of contributions and implications for academics, practitioners and those interested in Regional Innovation Systems governance.