Open innovation in SMEs: a systematic literature review

TLDR: In this article, the authors synthesize the literature on open innovation in SMEs and find that adopting OI by SMEs improves their overall innovation performance, while a larger number of studies are based on a quantitative approach.

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to synthesize the extant literature on open innovation (OI) in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Design/methodology/approach – An examination of the literature was undertaken to review the studies on open innovation in SMEs. The selected articles were classified in different themes and analyzed accordingly. Findings – The study finds that adopting OI by SMEs improves their overall innovation performance. The authors found that a larger number of studies are based on a quantitative approach. Surprisingly, unlike in many other disciplines, scholars of North America have had a limited contribution. European scholars, along with some scholars from Korea and China, have been active in developing this field of OI in SMEs. Research limitations/implications – This study provides theoretical and managerial implications. With thematic analysis, along with identifying gaps, conflations, and contradictions in the literature, this study proposes an agenda for future exploration. Originality/value – The value of this study lies in the integration of the limited but scattered studies on OI in SMEs.