Intellectual Property Protection Mechanisms and 3D Open Innovation

The literature is still investigating the role of Intellectual Property Protection Mechanisms (IPPMs) in Open Innovation. This paper investigates the topic and in particular whether and how the use of different IPPMs is related to different open innovation models, corresponding to different degrees of openness. A 3D conceptualization of openness is adopted, where the three dimensions cover partners, innovation phases, contents. The effect of the use of IPPMS on performance is also analysed. The empirical analysis is based upon two studies: a survey, conducted in three European Countries (Italy, Sweden and Finland), that provided around 400 questionnaires filled by companies operating in manufacturing industries, and a case study. The results of the analysis show that different IPPMs are correlated with different open innovation models, in terms of partners, innovation phases, contents. Preliminary results about the impact of IPPMs on innovation performance and, hence, on the company’s capability of continuous innovation, are not completely clear-cut.