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Open Innovation under the Lenses of Complexity Theory

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  • Grimaldi, Andrea

Abstract

To fuel growth, innovation is essential, but it can be a difficult process that requires significant investments of resources. In today's highly competitive market, many businesses are turning to Open Innovation (OI) to gain the knowledge they need. However, OI is a complex system where individuals exchange a wide range of information, sources, and knowledge. Additionally, the interdependence among independent agents involved in OI exchanges affects their behaviors, leading to uncertainty and risk. Thus, OI brings complexity to businesses, and the best approach to understand and manage this complexity is Complexity Theory (CT), which is particularly suited to examine these phenomena. However, few studies have adopted CT to study OI. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to identify the principles, patterns, and conditions of OI to find a way to manage it properly. With a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) of research published through March 2024, it has been possible to establish a connection between OI and CT. The results prove this connection and find the following advice to manage the OI process: adopt a holistic perspective (complex thinking), encourage self-organization, embrace two different kinds of ambidexterity (permeable boundaries and exploitation/exploration), and create positive feedback loops.

Suggested Citation

  • Grimaldi, Andrea, 2024. "Open Innovation under the Lenses of Complexity Theory," MPRA Paper 128373, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised Mar 2026.
    • Handle: RePEc:pra:mprapa:128373
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    JEL classification:

    • B5 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - Current Heterodox Approaches
    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives
    • O32 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Management of Technological Innovation and R&D

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