Inside-out: the forgotten side of ICT-enabled Open Innovation

Purpose. The role of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and digital platforms in enabling connectivity and collaboration among actors is neglected when dealing with outbound Open Innovation (OI). Moreover, the outbound OI process is not currently defined in a univocal way. Thus, this paper aims at outlining the outbound OI phases and at exploring role and capabilities of ICTs in supporting it. Design/methodology/approach. Through a literature review approach, we specified the outbound OI process. Hence, we leveraged the similarities between the Knowledge Management process phases and the outbound OI phases for developing a conceptual framework that could match the outbound OI phases with acknowledged categories of ICT tools. Findings. Through a process-view, we outlined outbound OI as a three-phase process. We developed a matrix-shaped framework in which the columns represent the three outbound OI process phases, while the rows are three ICT categories that could be suitable for supporting the outbound OI process. Practical implications. The framework is designed to guide a deep understanding of how ICTs could support specific phases of the outbound OI process. In so doing, it could be useful for software developers interested in a preliminary design of an ICT platform for outbound OI. Originality/value. The conceptual framework proposal: specifies a detailed, process-oriented definition of the outbound OI; (II) allows to identify the main ICT categories supporting the phases of the outbound OI process; (III) provides guidance for further exploration about the role of ICT in outbound OI