Purpose – The exploitation Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in knowledge transfer from and to external partners is a nontrivial management issue (Awazu et al., 2009; Cui et al., 2015). How ICT platforms could enable connectivity and collaboration is a compelling scientific topic in the next OI research agenda (Bogers et al., 2017). Accordingly, this manuscript aims to explore the role and the potential of ICT in backing the outbound OI process up. From a managerial standpoint, this paper could provide guidance to the design of an ICT-based integrated platform for outbound OI, with a focus on the preliminary and conceptual phase. Design/methodology/approach – Through a literature review approach on OI, we defined and critically discussed the three main activities of the outbound OI process: Exploration of Markets and Technologies, Assessment of Technological Portfolio, Technology Transfer. We structured an outbound OI framework by means of two activities. First, we leveraged the knowledge-intensive nature of such process, and the similarities between it and Knowledge Management process. Second, we analysed ICT platforms for OI for merging evidences from the scientific literature with empirical insight. This framework paves the way for a contextualized borrowing of the ICT tools from KM stream to the OI one. Originality/value – The literature on OI is far from being conclusive in understanding both the structure of the outbound OI process and the relationship between OI and the digital transformation. Specifically, the role of digital technologies and platforms in enabling the connectivity and collaboration between actors is neglected when dealing with the outbound OI process, and felt in the scientific community as breeding ground for further research on OI (Bogers et al., 2017). Practical implications – The conceptual design is essential to allow the development of the ICT platform for outbound OI. The preliminary findings it could be useful for setting direction to approaching the outbound OI process, as well as for software developers: both can be inspired and build on the advanced propositions. The current digital transformation trend could frame the knowledge-intensive processes, i.e. the outbound OI, as a source of collaborative solutions within the Supply Chain Management scope (cf. Cerchione and Esposito, 2016). This could efficiently support the collaborative decision-making (Liu et al., 2013), leading to an enhanced, knowledge- based firm performance (Wong and Wong, 2011).
Inside-Out: The Forgotten Side of Open Innovation and the Role of ICT and Digital Transformation
ALOINI D.;LAZZAROTTI V.;PELLEGRINI L.;ZERBINO P.
2018-01-01
Abstract
Purpose – The exploitation Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in knowledge transfer from and to external partners is a nontrivial management issue (Awazu et al., 2009; Cui et al., 2015). How ICT platforms could enable connectivity and collaboration is a compelling scientific topic in the next OI research agenda (Bogers et al., 2017). Accordingly, this manuscript aims to explore the role and the potential of ICT in backing the outbound OI process up. From a managerial standpoint, this paper could provide guidance to the design of an ICT-based integrated platform for outbound OI, with a focus on the preliminary and conceptual phase. Design/methodology/approach – Through a literature review approach on OI, we defined and critically discussed the three main activities of the outbound OI process: Exploration of Markets and Technologies, Assessment of Technological Portfolio, Technology Transfer. We structured an outbound OI framework by means of two activities. First, we leveraged the knowledge-intensive nature of such process, and the similarities between it and Knowledge Management process. Second, we analysed ICT platforms for OI for merging evidences from the scientific literature with empirical insight. This framework paves the way for a contextualized borrowing of the ICT tools from KM stream to the OI one. Originality/value – The literature on OI is far from being conclusive in understanding both the structure of the outbound OI process and the relationship between OI and the digital transformation. Specifically, the role of digital technologies and platforms in enabling the connectivity and collaboration between actors is neglected when dealing with the outbound OI process, and felt in the scientific community as breeding ground for further research on OI (Bogers et al., 2017). Practical implications – The conceptual design is essential to allow the development of the ICT platform for outbound OI. The preliminary findings it could be useful for setting direction to approaching the outbound OI process, as well as for software developers: both can be inspired and build on the advanced propositions. The current digital transformation trend could frame the knowledge-intensive processes, i.e. the outbound OI, as a source of collaborative solutions within the Supply Chain Management scope (cf. Cerchione and Esposito, 2016). This could efficiently support the collaborative decision-making (Liu et al., 2013), leading to an enhanced, knowledge- based firm performance (Wong and Wong, 2011).I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
