PhD. Students | Exnovate

First Name
Fern
Last Name
Evitt
Affiliation
Management and International Business

University of Auckland (New Zealand), Business School
(Preliminary) PhD Title
Implications of Openness: The impact of Open Innovation practices on the inherent innovation characteristics of SMEs
PhD abstract
How do the inbound and outbound practices of open innovation affect the innate innovation characteristics of SMEs? Openness in innovation provides smaller firms with activities that supplement and complement innovation strategies, addressing limitations in resources and capabilities. However, It is suspected that externalised innovation activities such as collaborating with customers and licensing-out impact on SMEs inherent innovation advantages and disadvantages, mitigating or emphasising to further opportunities or add stress to the smaller firm. Using a mixed method approach of survey and case study, the research will ascertain the impact outbound and inbound open innovation processes have on these generic characteristics of SMEs, leading to better understanding of open innovation in SMEs. Findings may also assist managers in effective selection of practices to maximise the benefits of external innovation.

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
- 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.