Defining the problem and objective

What is the objective that needs to be achieved?

At the start of the project, specify

  • What is the problem that needs to be solved? A clear description of the initial situation and the problem is needed here.
  • What should be achieved after the open innovation project?

Experience shows that this objective can be subdivided into 3 areas:

1. Innovation: Develop creative ideas for a problem
2. Marketing: Generate visibility of an issue
3. Search for people: Identify creative minds

Above all, be aware that community building and networking in the digital world is a key objective. The networked community can be an important start point for your own digital business model.

Further reading and sources

Vanhaverbeke, W. (2017): “Managing Open Innovation in SME”, Cambridge University Press, 2017

de Beer, J., McCarthy, I., Soliman, A., Treen, E. (2017): “Click here to agree: Managing intellectual property when crowdsourcing solutions”, Business Horizons, Volume 60, Issue 2, March–April 2017, Pages 207-217

Seja, c., Narten, J. (2017): “Creative Communities, Ein Erfolgsinstrument für Innovationen und Kundenbindung, Springer Gabler, Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden GmbH 2017

Gassmann, Oliver (2013): “Crowdsourcing. Innovationsmanagement mit Schwarmintelligenz. Interaktiv Ideen finden, kollektives Wissen effektiv nutzen. Mit Fallbeispielen und Checklisten.”, Carl Hanser Verlag München.

Donner, M. (2013) “Orientierungsrahmen für die Integration von Open Innovation im Innovationsprozess”, FH Südwestfalen, Bachelor’s dissertation 2013

“Intellectual Property Agreement Guide IPAG”, UNIKO and ncp.ip

Füller, J., (27 June 2012): “Die Gefahren des Crowdsourcing”