Open innovation solution: new model in the hospitality industry

Purpose The primary purpose of this study is to provide a new model in the hospitality industry by incorporating open innovation (OI) as a significant business performance (BP) supporter. This study aims to examine OI’s role in fostering SI and BP in Malaysia’s hospitality industry. Design/methodology/approach Quantitative research approach with a cross-sectional design is used to carry out the current study. A questionnaire survey is conducted. A total of 201 valid responses were used to analyze the data through Smart PLS 3 structural equation modeling. The study sample comprises the managerial employees of hospitality companies. Findings The findings of this study revealed that OI has a crucial contribution to fostering service innovation (SI) and BP. Information and communication technology (ICT) increases external knowledge and internal innovation, which in turn increases knowledge management (KM). ICT intensifies KM in result, OI increases, which contribute expediting SI. Finally, increases in SI boost BP. Practical implications This study provides a comprehensive framework to boost hospitality industry performance. It gives vital cues to the hospitality industry for SI improvement and BP. This proposed framework is specific to the hospitality industry, and it has the potential to help the managers to have a better understanding of new ideas that can develop service quality and customer satisfaction. Originality/value This is one of the pioneer studies that formally documented OI’s role in Malaysia hospitality industry. This pioneering study provides the OI model for BP of the hospitality industry. Regarding the OI in the hospitality industry, managers’ and academicians’ implication is not well understood in the current literature.