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How Open Innovation Practices Deliver Societal Benefits

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  • Elisabeth Eppinger

    (Faculty 5—Design and Culture, Campus Wilhelminenhof, University of Applied Sciences for Technology and Economics Berlin, 12459 Berlin, Germany)

Abstract

Open innovation practices have the potential to benefit society greatly. Bridging the research on open innovation, diffusion of innovation and responsible innovation, this study investigates how open innovation practices can foster societal benefits. Elaborating on potential benefit gaps and detrimental effects of innovation, the study proposes six distinct innovation attributes to deliver societal benefits: (I) adequate information and communication channels, (II) affordability, (III) appropriateness and availability, (IV) anticipation in terms of appropriate and reflexive risk assessment, (V) accountability in terms of adequate cost allocation of detrimental side effects, and (VI) sustainable path creation for transitions towards societal and environmental sustainability. Ten different open innovation practices are assessed drawing on our own and other published empirical insights. This assessment provides insights into which features of the practices support social benefits. Based on this assessment, we propose a typology of three different practices in relation to societal benefits and discuss how they address the six innovation attributes. Providing rich insights into which practices deliver societal benefits through which features, this study makes a significant contribution to existing research on open innovation, responsible innovation, inclusive and social innovation. Some practical implications and directions for further research are provided.

Suggested Citation

  • Elisabeth Eppinger, 2021. "How Open Innovation Practices Deliver Societal Benefits," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(3), pages 1-19, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:3:p:1431-:d:489627
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    2. Kristina Bučar & Zvjezdana Hendija & Ines Katić, 2022. "Ecolabels as a Tool of Sustainable Development in Tourist Destinations," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(10), pages 1-18, May.
    3. Menger Tu & Sandy Dall'erba & Mingque Ye, 2022. "Spatial and Temporal Evolution of the Chinese Artificial Intelligence Innovation Network," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-17, April.
    4. Eleni N. Arvaniti & Agapi Dima & Chrysostomos D. Stylios & Vagelis G. Papadakis, 2022. "A New Step-by-Step Model for Implementing Open Innovation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(10), pages 1-17, May.
    5. Lucia Vigoroso & Roberto Sorrenti & Eugenio Cavallo & Federica Caffaro, 2023. "Non-Profit Organizations as Facilitators of the Sustainable Social Innovation of Firms: An Italian Case Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-20, May.

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