Open Innovation Management of Thai Auto Parts Manufacturer

Abstract

This research aimed to study the application of knowledge to create open innovation of Thai automotive parts manufacturers. Data collection was conducted by using an in-depth interview form that was developed by setting interview topics and open-ended questions, including a small-group meeting of experts in the automotive industry to test and revise the interview form. According to the study, it was found that a problem of the innovation of Thai automotive parts manufacturers today was concerned with a lack of knowledge sharing between organizations as well as a lack of applying external knowledge in their organizations. As a result, they were required to spend a lot of money for in-house research and development. In addition, when unable to develop themselves, most companies bought a number of technologies and innovations to use in their organizations, which is considered a closed innovation. Since the Thai automotive parts manufacturers have created a very small number of innovations compared to other countries, it is necessary to accelerate the development of innovations by focusing on obtaining and using external knowledge to reduce development period and gain new knowledge. According to the research results, external knowledge source obtained from customers through their complaints and information of use problems was important and necessary for organization innovation. Thai automotive parts manufacturers can use this information to develop and improve their organization innovation. Moreover, according to the research results, most companies used a trial and error method starting from the operations of their employees to lead to the best practices of their organizations.