scholarly journals How family firms execute open innovation strategies: the Loccioni case

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 1459-1485 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena Casprini ◽  
Alfredo De Massis ◽  
Alberto Di Minin ◽  
Federico Frattini ◽  
Andrea Piccaluga
Keyword(s):  
Open Innovation ◽  
Family Firms ◽  
Family Firm ◽  
Innovation Strategy ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Transfer Of Knowledge ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Innovation Strategies ◽  
Innovation Processes

Purpose This paper aims to shed light on how family firms execute open innovation strategies by managing internal and external knowledge flows. Design/methodology/approach First, through a comprehensive literature review, the paper identifies the barriers to the acquisition and transfer of knowledge in open innovation processes. Second, it presents and discusses the results of an exploratory case study on Loccioni, an Italian family firm providing high-tech measurement solutions, highlighting how this family firm managed to overcome the barriers in executing an open innovation strategy. Findings The case study shows that Loccioni faced specific challenges in acquiring and transferring knowledge in its open innovation processes and developed two idiosyncratic capabilities – labelled imprinting and fraternization – that helped the firm overcome the barriers to knowledge acquisition and transfer. The analysis shows that these two capabilities are enabled by the distinctive goals and social capital characterizing family firms. Originality/value The paper creates a link between open innovation and family business research with an empirically grounded model illustrating how the idiosyncratic capabilities of a family firm help overcome the critical barriers to the acquisition and transfer of knowledge in executing an open innovation strategy.

The evolution of the pathways of innovation strategies in the automotive industry. The case of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena Candelo ◽  
Ciro Troise ◽  
Diego Matricano ◽  
Amedeo Lepore ◽  
Mario Sorrentino
Keyword(s):  
Automotive Industry ◽  
Open Innovation ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Theoretical Framework ◽  
Knowledge Flows ◽  
Historical Period ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Innovation Activities ◽  
Innovation Strategies

PurposeFundamental management innovations have been ideated and developed in the automotive industry. Over the years, carmakers have radically modified their innovation strategies. Currently, carmakers are increasingly adopting open innovation approaches, moving from a closed to open innovation paradigm. The aim of this paper is to reconstruct the evolution of the innovation activities performed by carmakers and to propose an original periodisation of innovation strategies in the automotive industry since its origins.Design/methodology/approachThis paper analyses the relevant literature and proposes a theoretical framework that defines how innovation strategies have changed from the birth of the automotive industry to current times. A detailed in-depth case study of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), one of the top ten global carmakers, is used to corroborate the theoretical framework. The case study reconstructs the entire evolution of the innovation strategies of the company from its origins to the present day.FindingsThe paper proposes an original periodisation by identifying three evolutionary phases of innovation strategies pursued by carmakers: “internal innovation”, “collaborative innovation” and “towards open innovation”. Each phase embraces a historical period, and for each period, the most relevant managerial aspects, as well as the types and direction of knowledge flows for fostering innovation, are analysed. The case study provides clear evidence that FCA has undergone the three above-cited phases in fostering its innovation strategies.Originality/valueThe study reconstructs the evolution of the innovation strategies performed by global carmakers, proposing an original periodisation of the transitions that occurred in practice in the automotive industry. This paper is among the first to explore the evolution of innovation strategies in the automotive industry since its origins to date and to highlight the salient differences that have occurred over time.

Family firm versus non-family firm: the role of resource orchestration in fast-growing high-tech SMEs

2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Torbjörn Ljungkvist ◽  
Börje Boers ◽  
Jim Andersén
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Firm Growth ◽  
Family Firms ◽  
Family Firm ◽  
Comparative Case Study ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Resource Orchestration ◽  
Paradoxical Growth

PurposeThis paper strives to understand the role of resource orchestration (RO) in the rapid growth of high-tech small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).Design/methodology/approachBased on a comparative case study, RO is compared between a high-tech family firm and a high-tech non-family firm. To capture the complexity of RO, this study applies a longitudinal approach using a large volume of archival and interview data gathered over ten years.FindingsThe configuration of family-firm paradoxical growth-oriented RO emphasizes RO based on collectivism and responsibility, although relying on large-scale conforming normative control. In contrast, the configuration of non-family-firm growth-oriented RO emphasizes administrative-based delegation and management-supported value creation.Originality/valueBy suggesting ownership-based RO configurations, this study provides insights into how ownership types, i.e. family firms and non-family firms, affect RO in firms operating in complex and dynamic environments. These configurations explain how and why RO is arranged in a growth context.

Talenthouse India: crowdsourcing the Indian national anthem

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 12-23
Author(s):  
Tulsi Jayakumar
Keyword(s):  
Value Creation ◽  
Open Innovation ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Value Capture ◽  
Content Type ◽  
National Anthem ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Advanced Economies ◽  
Client Firm

Purpose This paper aims to understand the process of value creation and value capture through open innovation strategies such as crowdsourcing in emerging economies (EEs) like India. The paper seeks to understand that crowdsourcing strategies offer both potential as well as challenges to value creation and capture in EEs. Design/methodology/approach The paper follows a case study approach. Building on interviews with company officials, the paper looks at the process of value creation and value capture by Talenthouse India through its unique “My Nation My Anthem” (MNMA) initiative. Findings With growing internet penetration and the presence of a demographic dividend, crowdsourcing presents high potential in EEs like India. EE firms may strategize to use the creativity and ideas of “crowds” to drive value creation and value capture. However, understanding the limits of such strategies, in particular those relating to the crowds (their composition, access to them and their motivators) and the access to technology, is important. The result of the MNMA initiative was a 52-second crowdsourced national anthem that generated sufficient value for the crowdsourcing intermediary (Talenthouse), the client firm (PVR) and the entire ecosystem. Originality/value The significance of open innovation models has been demonstrated in settings involving high-tech industries, producing high-value goods, in advanced economies. The paper finds the applicability of such models to low-tech, less mature industries, involving experience goods in EEs like India.

Advice-seeking process in family businesses: a qualitative study

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aleš Kubíček ◽  
Lucie Dofkova ◽  
Ondřej Machek
Keyword(s):  
Family Business ◽  
Family Firms ◽  
Professional Associations ◽  
Family Firm ◽  
Business Owners ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Advice Seeking ◽  
External Sources

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the process of seeking advice in family firms.Design/methodology/approachExploratory multiple case study design was employed to examine how family firm owners use various sources of advice. The analysis is based on data collected from semi-structured interviews with six Czech family business owners.FindingsThe case study analysis shows that family business owners first seek advice among those family members who work in the family firm. Subsequently, they approach internal or external sources with whom they have a specific relationship (management and key employees, peers and professional associations). Only when these sources do not provide adequate results, external advisors are approached. However, if the advice required a specific knowledge or certification, external advisors may be approached in the first place.Originality/valueBased on the qualitative data analysis, we developed a model of the advice-seeking process. Since the theoretical “how” of the advising process in family firms is still underresearched, this study presents theoretical extensions as well as practical implications.

Managing knowledge in open innovation processes: an intellectual property perspective

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 1384-1405 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter M. Bican ◽  
Carsten C. Guderian ◽  
Anne Ringbeck
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Property ◽  
Property Rights ◽  
Intellectual Property Rights ◽  
Open Innovation ◽  
Innovation Process ◽  
Modus Operandi ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Innovation Activities ◽  
Innovation Processes

Purpose As firms turn their innovation activities toward collaborating with external partners, they face additional challenges in managing their knowledge. While different modes of intellectual property right regimes are applied in closed innovation systems, there seems to be tension between the concepts of “open innovation” and “intellectual property rights”. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how firms best manage knowledge via intellectual property rights in open innovation processes. Design/methodology/approach Following a mixed methods approach, the authors review relevant literature at the intersection of knowledge management, intellectual property rights, strategic management of intellectual property rights and the open innovation process. The authors identify success drivers through the lenses of – but not limited to – intellectual property rights and classify them in five distinct groups. Expending the view on open innovation beyond its modus operandi, the authors develop the Open Innovation Life Cycle, covering three stages and three levels of the open innovation process. The authors apply their findings to a case study in the pharmaceutical industry. Findings The authors provide four key contributions. First, existing literature yields inconclusive results concerning the enabling or disabling function of intellectual property rights in open innovation processes, but the majority of scholars detect an ambivalent relation. Second, they identify and classify success drivers of successful knowledge management via intellectual property rights in open innovation processes. Third, they advance literature on open innovation beyond its modus operandi to include three stages and three levels. Fourth, they test their findings to a case study and show how management leverages knowledge by properly using intellectual property rights in open innovation. Practical implications The findings support firms in managing knowledge via intellectual property rights in open innovation processes. Management should account for the peculiarities of open innovation preparation and open innovation termination to prevent unintentional knowledge drain. Originality/value This is one of the first studies to view open innovation as a process beyond its modus operandi by considering the preparations for and termination of open innovation activities. It also addresses the levels involved in managing knowledge via intellectual property rights in open innovation from individual (personal) to project and firm level.

Absorbing in-bound knowledge within open innovation processes. The case of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 786-807 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diego Matricano ◽  
Elena Candelo ◽  
Mario Sorrentino ◽  
Aurora Martínez-Martínez
Keyword(s):  
Absorptive Capacity ◽  
Open Innovation ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Single Case Study ◽  
Longitudinal Case Study ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Top Managers ◽  
Innovation Processes

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the way companies involved in Open Innovation Processes (OIPs) routinize the procedure through which they can absorb in-bound knowledge, i.e. knowledge that comes from the outside and, in particular, from the crowd. In-bound knowledge passes through the phases of acquisition, assimilation, transformation and exploitation. Thus, companies need to define mechanisms and paths – related to their potential and realized absorptive capacity –to manage and exploit it. Design/methodology/approach The present paper is based on a longitudinal case study, an OIP launched by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) that has already been implemented for three times. Multiple direct interviews with FCA top managers have allowed rebuilding the routinized procedure through which the company absorbs in-bound knowledge. Findings To routinize the procedure of absorbing in-bound knowledge, the company has settled specific mechanisms and paths and has established some bottlenecks over the process of acquisition, assimilation, transformation and exploitation of in-bound knowledge. These mechanisms and path, as well as these bottlenecks, are identified and descripted in the paper. Research limitations/implications Beyond the limitations linked to the use of a single case study, another limitation might be the reference to a big company in a specific industry. Anyway, with due caution, achieved findings can be referred to other industries as well. Originality/value This paper contributes to exploring if and how companies managing OIPs routinize the procedure through which they can absorb in-bound knowledge.

Family firm innovation strategy: contradictions and tradition

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 36-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frank Lattuch
Keyword(s):  
Family Firms ◽  
Social Systems ◽  
Family Firm ◽  
Innovation Strategy ◽  
Firm Innovation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Family ◽  
Research Propositions ◽  
New Research ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose When studying innovation in family firms, several contradictions appear, as the family and the firm represent different social systems that follow different rules and expectations. This paper aims to argue that a deeper understanding and effective management of those paradoxes is crucial for the family firm’s innovation performance. Design/methodology/approach Using theory-building principles, this paper has an abductive character; new research propositions are offered to provide insights into the apparently paradoxical aspects of successfully managing a family firm’s innovation strategy. Findings Three contradictions are presented and discussed: first, the family can be a hazard and source for the firm; second, family members acting as shareholder and investor; and third, established practice and innovation issues may compete against each other in the quest to sustainably rejuvenate the organization. Inferences are drawn from these apparent contradictions concerning family firm management, providing a basis to form propositions that effectively support innovation. Originality/value This paper provides a paradoxical perspective on the innovation phenomenon in family firms and offers practical implications to help leaders better shape their organization’s innovation strategy.

Emotional intelligence in family firms

2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 4-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gonzalo Gómez Betancourt ◽  
Isabel C. Botero ◽  
Jose Bernardo Betancourt Ramirez ◽  
Maria Piedad López Vergara
Keyword(s):  
Family Business ◽  
Family Firms ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Family Firm ◽  
Business Owners ◽  
Interpersonal Dynamics ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Family

Purpose – Although researchers have highlighted the importance of relational and family factors for the sustainability of a family firm, there is not much empirical research exploring how emotions and the management of emotions play a role in the interpersonal dynamics of family business owners. The purpose of this paper is to explore how the way family members manage their emotions affects the interpersonal dynamics in the family, business, and ownership subsystems of a family firm. Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents an in-depth case study from a family firm in Colombia-South America. Findings – The results indicate that the capability that family members have to manage their emotions influences the interpersonal dynamics that take place in the family firm at the individual and group level. In this case, the paper found that although emotional intelligence (EI) affected interpersonal relationships in a firm, this effect was based on the individual's willingness to use their EI capabilities, previous history between people, and the goals individuals have within each subsystem in a family firm. The paper also found that interpersonal dynamics, in turn, influence how family members work together. Research limitations/implications – Because this study uses an in-depth case study, the intention of the paper is to provide an initial picture of how EI can play a role in the interpersonal interactions between family business owners. The authors hope that this study can be used as a building block to enhance the understanding of the role of EI in family firms. Practical implications – EI represents an individual's capability to perceive, understand, manage, and regulate self and other's emotions. For family firms, this means that family business owners can use this capability to determine how to enact their roles in the family firm and how to interact with other to ensure harmony in their relationships. Originality/value – This paper builds on previous work on emotions in family firms to explore the role of EI in family firms, and provides an empirical exploration of the role of management of emotions in family firms.

Research on the evolutionary game of knowledge pricing in an open innovation environment: from the perspective of social dual innovation balance

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xuejiao An ◽  
Lin Qi ◽  
Jian Zhang ◽  
Xinran Jiang
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Property ◽  
Transaction Cost ◽  
Open Innovation ◽  
Demand Elasticity ◽  
Innovation Strategy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Innovation Strategies ◽  
Inverse Demand ◽  
The One ◽  
First Mover

PurposeThis paper aims to find out the factors that influence the choice of dual innovation strategies in the process of knowledge pricing and transaction between first-mover and late-mover companies in an open innovation environment and also to find the key factors that affect the company's strategic choice in factors such as heterogeneous market environment, demand elasticity, exploration risk intellectual property prices and transaction cost.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses the Cournot equilibrium and Stackelberg two-stage master-slave game model to describe the evolutionary process of knowledge pricing in an open innovation environment of first-mover and late-mover companies.FindingsResearch shows that in an open innovation environment, the formation of a dual innovation strategy in the pricing process of corporate intellectual property transactions is a complex process. Changes in one-time transaction costs and changes in the inverse demand coefficient of the innovation market play the decisive role in the choice of dual innovation strategies. When the demand of the innovation market is moderate, the inverse demand coefficient of the innovation market and the one-time transaction cost has an inverted U-shaped influence relationship. As the innovation market's inverse demand coefficient and the one-time transaction cost increase at the same time, the degree of differentiation of the enterprise's dual innovation strategy choice gradually reduces; when the one-time transaction cost is the largest, the degree of strategy differentiation is minimized.Originality/valueBased on the above relationship, suggestions are made to guide enterprises in the knowledge pricing and transaction process in an open innovation environment, promote enterprises to form a dislocation development and complementary advantages in the knowledge innovation ecological chain and improve the overall innovation efficiency of the industry.

Understanding family firm innovation heterogeneity

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 103-121 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zonghui Li ◽  
Joshua J. Daspit
Keyword(s):  
Family Involvement ◽  
Family Business ◽  
Family Firms ◽  
Firm Heterogeneity ◽  
Family Firm ◽  
Firm Innovation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Studies ◽  
The Family ◽  
Innovation Strategies

Purpose – In family business studies, inconsistent findings exist regarding the relationship between family involvement and firm innovation. The purpose of this paper is to understand the heterogeneity of family firm innovation. Design/methodology/approach – The authors draw on governance literature and the socioemotional wealth (SEW) perspective to examine how the extent of family governance and the type of SEW objectives jointly influence innovation strategies in family firms. Findings – The authors develop a typology of family firm innovation strategies, positing that the family firm’s risk orientation, innovation goal, and knowledge diversity vary depending on the degree of family involvement in governance and the type of SEW objective. The authors propose that four family firm innovation strategies (e.g. Limited Innovators, Intended Innovators, Potential Innovators, and Active Innovators) emerge when family involvement in the dominant coalition (high or low) is contrasted with the SEW objective (restricted or extended) pursued by the family. Practical implications – Understanding how governance and SEW goals work together to influence the firm’s innovation strategies is potentially valuable for managers of family firms. The authors offer practical suggestions for how to strategically reposition the firm to pursue innovation strategies more in line with those of the Active Innovator. Originality/value – This study contributes to the family business literature by using a multi-dimensional approach to examine family firm heterogeneity. In addition, by articulating various family firm innovation strategies, the authors offer insight into the previously inconsistent findings concerning firm innovation behavior and outcomes in family business studies.

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