Vincenzo Corvello

Startups and open innovation: a review of the literature

Purpose Startup companies represent a powerful engine of open innovation (OI) processes. The purpose of this paper is to represent a first step in building a map of the state-of-the-art knowledge of the “startups in an OI context” phenomenon. Through the selection and analysis of relevant literature, this study aims at deepening our understanding of the theme and at providing directions for future research. Design/methodology/approach By using an explicit method for the review (Pittaway et al., 2004) the authors selected a set of papers, which cover the knowledge domain object of this study. In total, 41 articles about “startups and OI” have been selected and the full papers have been analysed. Findings The analysed literature has been synthesized in seven sub-topics, which have been evaluated as the most relevant in explaining the phenomenon of startups in relation to OI. Implications for research, for managers and for policy makers conclude the paper. Practical implications The review produced valuable knowledge for both managers and policy decision-makers. The paper allows a better understanding of the role of startups in OI processes. This improved understanding can help managers of large firms as well as policy makers involved in OI in making their decisions. Besides, implications of OI strategies for startup managers have been singled-out. Originality/value Startup companies are intrinsically open organizations, necessarily engaged in innovation processes. Research at the intersection between the themes of OI and startups is gaining momentum. This review of the literature represents the first attempt to organize the scientific knowledge related to the intersection between the startups and OI phenomena systematically.

Factors Affecting the Practices of External Problem Solvers in Broadcast Search

In Broadcast Search (BS) an organization discloses the details of a problem to a community of potential solvers. An online intermediary often manages the process. This study investigates the problem solving practices of solvers. In particular it focuses on the intermediation services and knowledge sources thy use during BS. A questionnaire was distributed to successful solvers. Ninety-three complete questionnaires were returned. The results show that intermediation services can be divided in 3 categories: managing interfaces, supporting collaboration and supporting problem solving. Similarly the sources of knowledge can be divided in: institutional, social and output-oriented sources. The results also show that differences in solver’s use of intermediation services and knowledge sources can be explained taking into account solvers’ experience, organizational context as well as the nature of the proposed solution

A systematic literature review on intangible assets and open innovation

Despite the growing interest, Open Innovation (OI) in Intangible Assets (IAs) research is still fragmented and displays a limited contextual focus. This paper aims to provide a clearer view of these issues and represents a first step toward filling such research gap. A systematic literature review and a synthesis of high-quality contributions with a focus on a general overview of research on OI and IAs in OI processes have been carried out. By critically evaluating the current body of literature and definitions, we have moved a step further toward comprehending the multiple facets of existing research and highlight several promising areas for future development. In particular, we have analyzed the role of IAs in OI practices by selecting a synthesis and a critical review of their different exploitations. We have combined multiple algorithms to produce a clear topical taxonomy of the multiple strands of research lying at the interface of OI and IAs.

Using Information Technology to Manage Diverse Knowledge Sources in Open Innovation Processes

Companies adopting an open approach to innovation aim at exploiting as many sources of knowledge as possible to create new products or services. Communities of customers, networks of experts or other organisations are all considered sources of valuable knowledge. However, to be managed effectively, each source requires different tools and practices. Managers responsible for the implementation of a technological system supporting open innovation should be able to single out the requirements associated with each source and devise customised strategies to facilitate the knowledge exchange. This chapter: (1) provides a framework which enables managers to analyse each specific source of knowledge and elicit the associated requirements, (2) suggests seven strategies to facilitate the knowledge exchange and (3) shows how these seven strategies can be adapted to different sources of knowledge.

Entrepreneurial learning through online social networking in high-tech startups

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze the contribution of professional social networking websites (PSNWs) to entrepreneurial learning in high-tech startups. In addition, in the present paper, the relationships between intellectual capital (IC) and PSNW-supported entrepreneurial learning have been investigated. Design/methodology/approach The paper is based on data collected through a questionnaire distributed to entrepreneurs and managers of high-tech startups. In order to understand the behavior of startuppers in PSNWs two theoretical constructs have been devised, which could put into evidence knowledge sharing and knowledge seeking occurrences. In these constructs, entrepreneurial learning represents the dependent variable, while IC components are considered as moderators. The obtained results have been analyzed through hierarchical regression. Findings Results have indicated that PSNWs support the learning processes of startuppers and that the social capital, one of the components of IC acts as an important mediator in the hypothesized relationships between knowledge seeking activities and entrepreneurial learning. Research limitations/implications This study has taken a sample of middle-sized entrepreneurships into consideration. Future research could be focused on larger entrepreneurships, in order to validate the obtained results. In addition, it could be interesting to examine further factors affecting the improvement of entrepreneurial learning practices in startuppers and larger organizations. Originality/value PSNWs are often used by entrepreneurs to create relations and to exchange knowledge. This fact notwithstanding, there is a dearth of studies that analyze how entrepreneurial learning can be facilitated by online social networking. The paper provides a clearer view of these issues and represents a first step in filling this research gap.