Open innovation and idea generation in SMEs

Previous research in the field of open innovation is dominated by research on large and multinational corporations, research in the software industry, and in the consumer goods sector. However, few articles report on studies from small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) in the business to business (B2B) sector. This research gap is addressed by exploring how SMEs may engage in and organize inbound open innovation seminars most efficiently. The article outlines the results from an open innovation seminar conducted with basis in real-life challenges for a Norwegian SME. The results indicate such seminars may be an efficient and cost-effective way of providing SMEs ideas and information concerning new markets, new technologies, and new product ideas. Specific described and designed innovation challenges produced the highest quality ideas, based on the quality criteria novelty, usefulness, and feasibility. Factors such as personal motivation and capabilities, in addition to mutual trust and respect are believed to be important when organizing open innovation seminars as described in the article.