Networked innovation

Abstract

Networked innovation refers to various types of inter-organisational innovation, ranging from closed contractually agreed arrangements to open, informally described collaboration settings. Here, networked innovation is defined as ‘intentional collaboration arrangements around inter-organisational innovation process’. The collaboration in these networks enhances knowledge transfer, integration, and co-creation activity between actors. Therefore, these networked innovation arrangements require an understanding of the flows of knowledge, either complementary or integrative, between the participating actors. This understanding should be at the core of the processes and practices of networked innovations. Clearly, networked innovation has many benefits, from cost savings and the shortened time required to commercialise the innovation to broader knowledge creation.