How firms implement collaborative innovation

This study examines the implementation of collaborative innovation in family and non-family firms. It is motivated by three research questions: (1) How do firms implement collaborative innovation? (2) How do these processes differ between family and non-family firms? And (3)What is the role and influence of family in these processes? Literature on innovation in family firms has focussed almost exclusively on research and development expenditures and has provided limited research on how these firms carry out open innovation activities. Thus this study advances the understanding of collaborative innovation in family versus non-family firms through a multiple-case study research method. Using a sample of four family firms and five non-family firms qualitative data was collected from key informants through in-depth interviews. Data was triangulated and analysed under a theoretical framework of innovation consisting of four building blocks: strategy ideas people and processes. This framework guided a cross-case content analysis aimed at identifying emerging patterns within the data.