Open Innovation. A systematic literature review analysis

What is open innovation? There are different definitions of open innovation, depending, at least, on three parameters: source; ownership; or users of the knowledge linked to innovation. The aim of the paper is to make a systematic literature review, to map open innovation studies, and to reconceptualize the openness according to two dimensions: degree of technology convergence and ontology of openness. In particular, we propose a classification of open innovation, based on the distinction between the originator/developer of the knowledge and the user. Users are an ubiquitous category, because they can be originators, as well as customers of the innovation itself. Therefore, we point out that there are three types of open innovation, which degree of openness is defined according an ontological dimension: at users' level; at an industry level; and among different fields or industries. Firm’s structure affects the propensity to open innovation adoption; and the type of innovation itself. Finally, we identify another literature gap: the relationship between the open innovation model and Grand Challenge. Even if open innovation seems to be ideally connected to Grand Challenges and many industries actually adopt this model, there seems to emerge a gap in literature. Therefore, we propose a conceptual model for future researches.