Dynamics of open innovation in the food industry

Abstract

A growing number of chain actors, together with difficulties in single-handedly meeting the heterogeneous needs of customers, end-users and legislators, is driving the food industry to open up to external sources of knowledge in search of successful new products and technologies. Empirical evidence of food companies engaging in open innovation remains, however, scarce, as do detailed analyses of related business strategies. We review extant literature on open innovation practices in the food industry and analyze their effects on the sector's innovation capabilities and market outcomes. Finally, we draw implications for food innovation and highlight areas where research is needed. © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.