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Open innovation for start-ups: A patent-based analysis of bio-pharmaceutical firms at the knowledge domain level

Francesca Michelino (Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy)
Antonello Cammarano (Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy)
Emilia Lamberti (Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy)
Mauro Caputo (Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy)

European Journal of Innovation Management

ISSN: 1460-1060

Article publication date: 9 January 2017

1851

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a methodological framework for evaluating the impact of open innovation (OI) adoption on start-up ventures at the knowledge domain level, taking into account the technological specialization and the quality of innovation output.

Design/methodology/approach

The framework employs patent data for investigating joint development activities between start-ups and partners, thus defining an openness degree of R&D. The partner typology and the levels of specialization on the knowledge fields affected by each invention are investigated. The methodology is tested on a sample of bio-pharmaceutical start-ups.

Findings

On average, the openness level in the start-up phase is higher than the consolidation one. Furthermore, the higher the level of openness during the start-up phase, the higher the propensity to collaborate with scientific organizations. And yet, the occurrence of R&D collaborations is positively correlated to the level of specialization on the knowledge fields involved in joint development activities.

Practical implications

OI strategies are valuable for start-ups, particularly in the bio-pharmaceutical industry, since their adoption improves the quality of innovation output. This is particularly true when R&D collaborations are established with scientific entities.

Originality/value

This work investigates the impact of OI adoption on start-up ventures at the knowledge domain level, by employing objective and standardized data. Hence, the methodology can be considered as a first step in developing a useful tool for managers, researchers and business analysts.

Keywords

Citation

Michelino, F., Cammarano, A., Lamberti, E. and Caputo, M. (2017), "Open innovation for start-ups: A patent-based analysis of bio-pharmaceutical firms at the knowledge domain level", European Journal of Innovation Management, Vol. 20 No. 1, pp. 112-134. https://doi.org/10.1108/EJIM-10-2015-0103

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2017, Emerald Publishing Limited

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