InnoCentive.com (A)

Karim R. Lakhani

HBS - 608170-PDF-ENG

Description: InnoCentive.com, a firm connecting R&D labs of large organizations to diverse external solvers through innovation contests, has to decide if they will enable collaboration in their community. Case covers the basics of a distributed innovation system works and the advantages of having external R&D. Links how concepts of open source are applied to a non-software setting. Describes the rationale for participation by solvers in innovation contests and the benefits that accrue to firms. Raises the issue if a community can be shifted to collaboration when competition was the basis of prior interaction.

More information: http://cb.hbsp.harvard.edu/cb/product/608170-PDF-ENG

learning objective: To cover the mechanics of open innovation and the rationale for participation by firms and individuals. To discover the challenges of moving to a collaborative model for innovation, and the potential opportunities for participants in a collaborative setting.

Exnovate is a platform bringing together companies that are experienced or interested in open & collaborative innovation. We offer three types of networking services:

- OPEN INNOVATION FORUM for large and medium sized companies with best practices in open innovation
- C4C: "Companies for Companies" are short term specialized programs that provide an in-depth body of knowledge about the best OI practices. These programs are taught by experts from experienced companies to their peers in less experienced firms.
- OI FOR SMEs: Open and collaborative innovation is also very valuable for SMEs. We like to bring together best practices in Europe and around the globe.

Exnovate also brings together companies with the academic world. Have a look at the academic network of Exnovate. We can combine theory and practice leading to better (open) innovation practices.

Open & collaborative innovation, in addition to other forms of innovation, can be a tremendous driver for regional and international prosperity in both the short and the long run. The facilitation of innovation depends at least to some extent on the policy framework in which it resides, so please check out and contribute to the available information on this website.

Exnovate connects researchers who have top expertise in different subjects related to crowd-sourcing, open innovation, collaboration between innovation partners, and innovation networks. Exnovate offers them a platform to set up research projects that may fit in international research programs financed by the European Community or other international organizations. In addition, companies and governments can look for expertise among these academics to execute specific types of research projects about open innovation.

Currently we are developing a library of teaching cases and syllabi about user innovation, open & collaborative innovation. You can also find the list of top researchers that back the network.

Exnovate does not offer first line advice. The success of open innovation generated a fast growing market for all kinds consulting and service firms. Identification of the right providers is difficult and a standard for the service quality is non-existent. This is where Exnovate can play a role.