A Systematic Review of the Literature on Open Innovation in SMEs

Abstract

This chapter provides a systematic review of the open innovation (OI) research carried out within the context of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The chapter should provide an accurate understanding of current literature about OI in SMEs, and it elaborates many future research avenues. The recent increase in the number of publications in this field shows that it has gained the attention of the academicians. The existing research shows that SMEs organize and manage OI in an entirely different way from large companies. SMEs get involved in OI based on their own strategic needs, and OI mechanisms have to be designed differently for SMEs.