Analysis of determinants for Open Innovation implementation in Regional Innovation Systems

Abstract

This study deals with the challenge of implementing an Open Innovation strategy in Regional Innovation Systems. In this context, our researchquestion is: can a Regional Innovation Systems be a favorable environment for Open Innovation implementation? To address this question, the mainobjective of this paper was to identify and analyze the determinant factors for a successful implementation of Open Innovation in Regional InnovationSystems. The factors were empirically tested through qualitative research involving seven of the key actors in a Regional Innovation Systems inthe Paraná state, in southern Brazil. The results suggest that some of the determinants factors and conditions for Open Innovation implementationare: proximity and close relationship with Higher Education Institutions; existence of a governance system to intermediate relationships withknowledge actors outside the regional system; mechanisms of relationship network and knowledge absorptive capacity by the firms constituting theRegional Innovation Systems; and provision of public support (e.g., incentives, funding, infrastructure). Since these determinants are present in theRegional Innovation Systems in question, we conclude that the Regional Innovation Systems offers a favorable environment to Open Innovationimplementation. Additionally, we highlight a number of contributions and implications for academics, practitioners and those interested in RegionalInnovation Systems governance.