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Academy of Management Review Vol. 35 No. 1 2010

Open Versus Closed Innovation: A Model of Discovery and Divergence

Esteve Almirall1; Ramon Casadesus-Masanell2

1 Esade Business School · 2 Harvard Business School

Abstract

When is open innovation superior to closed innovation? Through a formal simulation model we show that an open approach to innovation allows the firm to discover combinations of product features that would be hard to envision under integration. However, when partners have divergent goals, open innovation restricts the firm's ability to establish the product's technological trajectory. The resolution of the trade-off between benefits of discovery and costs of divergence determines the best approach to innovation.

DOI
10.5465/amr.35.1.zok27
Volume
35
Issue
1
Pages
27-47
Language
en
Sources
ris:amr.ris openalex crossref

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