Development of an Innovation Ecosystem in a Fast-Paced Economic Environment: The Case of the Vodafone Open Innovation Program

Abstract

Many companies experience a blurring of traditional industry boundaries. This challenge forces companies from various industries to look for alternative ways toward being innovative. One approach is to start initiatives for multi-cross-industry innovations. These cross-industry activities may lead to the development of new innovation ecosystems. In this context, I pose the central research question: By what kind of organizational framework are initiatives for multi-cross-industry innovation supported, and how can companies utilize this approach for the generation of new innovation ecosystems?Following this research question, I conduct an in-depth case study of the Vodafone Open Innovation Program which can be characterized as a multi-cross-industry innovation network of the Vodafone GmbH. I present the organizational model of the Vodafone Open Innovation Program and show key characteristics of the case, before I establish that multi-cross-industry activities may lead to the generation of new innovation ecosystems. In this context, the structured approach of the entire program and the staged intellectual property rights mechanism will especially be highlighted as key characteristics.