The OIRF workshop brought together 40 representatives of multinationals, open innovation intermediaries, and academics from around the world to discuss the links between geographic location and the successful implementation of open innovation.

The IfM has launched a new group designed to help fast-track research into open Innovation.

The Open Innovation Research Forum (OIRF) launched with a two-day ‘fast start’ research proposal development workshop. The OIRF workshop – sponsored by the UK Innovation Research Centre and Japan’s Institute for Technology, Enterprise and Competitiveness – brought together 40 representatives of multinationals, open innovation intermediaries, and academics from around the world to discuss the links between geographic location and the successful implementation of open innovation.

The first day of the event was designed to identify the key issues faced by business when trying to implement open innovation in many different locations. Attendees heard a summary of a recent UK-IRC survey that captured the current open innovation practices of 1,200 UK firms. They also heard the contrasting experiences of Kodak and Philips, highlighting the role of location in their open innovation strategies. Finally, the role of open innovation in attracting investment to the UK was presented, with particular emphasis being given to the ‘Tech City’ development in London. The workshop resulted in highlighting   five key questions that, if addressed, would be of direct benefit to companies implementing open innovation.

The second day was structured around identifying ways in which these key questions identified by the companies on the first day could be addressed. By the end of day, six outline proposals, each involving a minimum of two academic institutions, were developed and presented back to all attendees. The six proposals were:

1. Comparing open innovation best practices in developed countries versus emerging markets
2. Identifying factors influencing successful open innovation implementation
3. Open innovation for corporate growth and renewal
4. Effective intra- and inter-organisation collaborations
5. Developing leadership capabilities for open innovation
6. The role of open innovation in stimulating cluster development

• For further information on the workshop, the projects listed above, or any other matter relating to OIRF, please contact Dr Tim Minshall or check the OIRF website