Publication
Title
How open innovation can help entrepreneurs in sensing and seizing entrepreneurial opportunities in SMEs
Author
Abstract
PurposeThis study explores how open innovation (OI) can be instrumental for entrepreneurs in sensing and seizing entrepreneurial opportunities in small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This study also illustrates how OI can help SMEs overcome the liability of smallness.Design/methodology/approachThis is exploratory research using an inductive, multiple-case study approach. This study capitalizes on five in-depth case studies of European SMEs to explore a phenomenon using replication logic and provide a robust basis for theory building.FindingsThis study presents a holistic view of the OI process in SMEs and illustrates the crucial role of entrepreneurs. The study provides a better understanding of how OI can help entrepreneurs sense and seize entrepreneurial opportunities by envisioning venture ideas and implementing business model innovation through the management of innovation partners.Originality/valueThe study emphasizes two critical roles of entrepreneurs in implementing OI in SMEs. First, the entrepreneur can be the instigator of strategic change, and second, he/she can orchestrate the innovation network. The findings emphasize that OI helps avoid knowledge corridors at the venture idea stage, leading to a (re)structuring of the business model and the emergence of a network of innovation partners, which should be managed hands-on. This study discusses in detail the two crucial roles of entrepreneurs.
Language
English
Source (journal)
International journal of entrepreneurial behaviour and research. - Place of publication unknown
Publication
Leeds : Emerald group publishing ltd , 2023
ISSN
1355-2554
DOI
10.1108/IJEBR-11-2022-1019
Volume/pages
29 :9/10 (2023) , p. 2065-2090
ISI
001078327600001
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (open access)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 30.10.2023
Last edited 24.05.2024
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