Beyond the Buzz: Unpacking the Forms and Practices of Dedicated Open Innovation Functions

Abstract

Open Innovation (OI) has become a key part of corporate strategy, and many firms have adopted dedicated organizational functions to leverage OI. However, current literature lacks insights into how firms deploy such functions and what they do. To address this issue, this article provides insights from interviews with senior managers in dedicated OI functions in 20 different firms. The findings reveal three ways that firms can employ these functions and the key practices for which they are responsible. Finally, dedicated OI functions can change over time as the firms’ OI capabilities mature.