Implementation of Open Innovation in Chemical B2B Companies

In a survey-based study including 42 companies of the chemical B2B industry, the sage and dissemination of Open Innovation (OI) initiatives are investigated. The article focuses on strategies and the motivation to implement OI tools. By summarizing the empirical evidence of OI, the success of projects and perceived satisfaction with the chosen approach is assessed using qualitative comparative analysis (QCA). The results show a very diverse picture of OI approaches in the chemical B2B industry, as only 52% of the participants’ state to use OI at all. However, the potential to use OI for exploration and exploitation purposes is revealed, which is especially of interest for a productive and successful implementation. In addition, the need of top management support to successful implement an OI approach is shown