Exploring open innovation in entrepreneurial private family firms in low- and medium-technology industries

Abstract

Four cases of open innovation in private family SMEs in low- and medium-technology industries are considered in order to examine the ways in which family firms can both foster their willingness and use their ability to engage in open innovation activities. Our cases illustrate how family SMEs can successfully engage in open innovation by handling multiple and conflicting goals within the family firm in particular ways and by taking up orchestration roles within their own open innovation networks to minimize concern for the loss of control.