Managing knowledge flows within open innovation: knowledge sharing and absorption mechanisms in collaborative innovation

Abstract

This paper aims to explore the bottom-up emergence of inter-organizational knowledge flow mechanisms within collaborative innovation processes in the research-based organizations, including universities and companies. The knowledge flow mechanism in collaborative innovation is viewed from the process of knowledge sharing and absorption. The data is primarily based on interviews with representatives of the case organizations involved in open innovation projects, who also act as actors in the collaborative innovation processes. This research discovers and provides insights into the mechanisms used in knowledge sharing and absorption. It also posits the role of actors as ‘intermediaries’ in the process of cross-organizational team interaction in managing knowledge flows.

IMPACT STATEMENT

This study aims to explore the bottom-up emergence of inter-organizational knowledge flow mechanisms within collaborative innovation processes in the research-based organizations, including universities and companies. The knowledge flow mechanism in collaborative innovation is viewed from the process of knowledge sharing and absorption. By conducting in-depth interview, our findings highlight the importance of mechanisms that used in knowledge sharing and absorption. In addition, our findings are also show the intermediaries role of actors in the process of cross-organizational team interaction in managing knowledge flows. The results offer significant perspectives for managers overseeing collaborative innovation initiatives, especially those that operate in cross-border or cross-cultural contexts with suppliers, partners, or other external entities.

Keywords:

• Open innovation
• collaborative innovation
• knowledge flow
• knowledge sharing
• absorptive capacity

REVIEWING EDITOR:

• Maria Garcia-Haro, University of Castilla-La Mancha: Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Spain

SUBJECTS:

• Human Resource Management
• Production, Operations & Information Management
• Strategic Management
• Management of Technology & Innovation

SUBJECT CLASSIFICATION CODES:

• O15
• O3
• O36

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Informed consent statement

All respondents provided informed consent before answering questions.

Institutional review board statement

Ethical review and approval were waived for this study due to all respondents provided informed consent before answering questions.

Data availability statement

Data are available from the corresponding author.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Tutuk Ari Arsanti

Tutuk Ari Arsanti is an Assistant Professor at Department of Management, Faculty of Economics and Business, Satya Wacana Christian University, Indonesia. She is active as an academic researcher. Her research interests are HRM, innovation, behavioral, and organizational. She has published many publications in various outlets.

Neil Rupidara

Neil Semuel Rupidara is an Associate Professor from Bhakti Semesta Polytechnic, Indonesia. He is active as an academic researcher. His research interests are international HRM, leadership, and organizational institutionalism. He has published journal articles and book chapters, also presented papers in conferences.

Tanya Bondarouk

Tanya Bondarouk is a Professor of Human Resource Management at the University of Twente, the Netherlands. Her main publications concern an integration of Human Resource Management and social aspects of Information Technology implementations.