What is it about?
In this study, we explore a local open innovation approach in which the spatial distance between solution-seeking firms and problem solvers was deliberately reduced to combine the benefits of distant search with those of spatial proximity.
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Why is it important?
Our study contributes to the OI literature by addressing the potential paradox behind the idea of conducting a distant search in spatial proximity, as proposed by local open innovation. We extend the theoretical analysis of OI by conceptualising the role of spatial proximity in the implementation of OI using social capital theory. Hence, we respond to calls for more research on how social capital shapes OI (Laursen, Masciarelli, and Prencipe 2012; West et al. 2014). We explored an intermediated OI approach that is centred on local events, thereby expanding the dominant view in the OI literature that has focused on a global reach and broad connections. With a focus on both seekers and solvers, we investigated how spatial proximity affects the implementation of OI, particularly in terms of building trust. We divided and allocated the impacts of spatial proximity into three phases. In doing so, we contribute to the literature on implementing openness in established organisations. A local face-to-face approach is especially suitable for organisations that are small or unfamiliar with OI (Huggins and Thompson 2017; Kim and Ahn 2020). Hence, we complement the literature on OI in small and mediumsized enterprises (SMEs) by suggesting an additional mechanism to implement OI in SMEs (e.g. Johnston 2022; Grama-Vigouroux et al. 2020). We also contribute to the literature on regional innovation ecosystems by introducing distant search (crowdsourcing) as a novel mechanism to establish regional cooperation in innovation activities, thereby adding to the established literature on forming partnerships in innovation ecosystems (De Faria, Lima, and Santos 2010; Faissal Bassis and Armellini 2018; Oh et al. 2016).
Perspectives
We studied eight local open innovation events and found that spatial proximity supports the implementation of open innovation, overcoming challenges of initiating organisational change towards openness, establishing trusting relationships for knowledge exchange, and successfully applying the external knowledge. By identifying social capital as the key success factor in local open innovation, our study contributes to the theoretical foundations of open innovation by showing how the dimensions of social capital enable key actions in each process phase.
Professor Sophie Veilleux
Universite Laval
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: How spatial proximity facilitates distant search – a social capital perspective on local open innovation, Industry and Innovation, July 2022, Taylor & Francis,
DOI: 10.1080/13662716.2022.2102462.
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