Exploring the concept of open innovation in low-tech SMEs. Evidence from Cyprus and Latvia.

Abstract: Background:  The concept of open innovation has surfaced for over a decade now and organizations have started to realize its importance and contribution. It has been also a topic of discussion during the last years but it still paves the way for future research. However, majority of the studies made so far were focused on its origins meaning high-tech companies situated in developed and large countries. Little, has been contributed to a context of low-tech SMEs in developing and developing countries.   Purpose:  The purpose of this study is to explore the concept of open innovation in a context of low-tech SMEs in small and developing countries but as well as exploring the knowledge perspective in relation to innovation process.   Method: The methodology used for this study is qualitative with an inductive approach. The empirical data were gathered through an appropriate inductive approach by using semi-structure interviews. With the help of frame of reference, we structured our topic guide for our data collection method. The gathered empirical data are then analysed using the inductively based analytical procedure of template analysis. Lastly, as the template analysis procedures suggest, coding was carried out in order to see emerging patterns and relationships between our empirical data, which later they were interpreted as our results.   Conclusion: The empirical results show some patterns between elements of the concept of open innovation. Concluding, the low-tech companies in small and developing countries are not fully aware of the concept of open innovation. However, they are exploiting several of the elements that surround open innovation. Regarding knowledge in their innovation process, we conclude that managerial levels play a crucial role. Since they do not have a systematic innovation process and instead are more opportunistic towards innovation, all the efforts for any knowledge identification and exploitation reside usually to the hands of one individual.