A Framework for Analyzing Transformation from Closed to Open Innovation: The ICTs Facilitated Process

Abstract

This paper aims to understand the role of ICTs in facilitating the exchange of distributed sources of information in the open innovation process. Through technological capability (TC) lens, a three-layer model is developed, which can be used to unravel the process that firms achieve paradigm shift from closed to open innovation through developing TC. Specifically, this framework focuses on how ICTs support enterprise obtaining, integrating and commercializing external sources of innovation. This paper also considers the role of ICT in supporting firms to collaborate with external actors, and analyzes how the innovation networking in turn drives the ICTs adoption by firms to leverage external sources of innovation.