Designing the Digital Open Innovation Ecosystem in the Context of Knowledge Management in Knowledge-Based Companies

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Professor, Industrial management, Faculty of Economic, Management, and Administrative Sciences, Semnan University, semnan, iran.

2 Assistant Professor, Industrial management, Faculty of Economic, Management, and Administrative Sciences, Semnan University, semnan, iran.

3 Master's Graduate, Industrial management, Faculty of Economic, Management, and Administrative Sciences, Semnan University, semnan, iran.

4 Ph.D. Candidate, Industrial management, Faculty of Economic, Management, and Administrative Sciences, Semnan University, semnan, iran.

10.48308/jimp.15.2.251

Abstract

Objective: In today’s digital economy, knowledge-based firms face both significant opportunities and complex challenges. Rapid technological advancement, the growing need for collaboration among diverse actors, and the dynamic demands of global markets have turned the design of open innovation ecosystems into a strategic necessity. Such ecosystems provide a structured platform for leveraging internal and external knowledge resources, developing new products, and enhancing organizational competitiveness. Despite the high potential of knowledge-based firms, the absence of a coherent and localized framework to shape and sustain digital open innovation ecosystems remains a critical obstacle to their development. Accordingly, the present study aimed to design a localized model of a digital open innovation ecosystem within the framework of knowledge management, focusing on knowledge-based firms in Semnan, Iran. The study intended to uncover the complex interactions among the influencing factors and propose both theoretical and practical guidelines for sustainable development.
Method: This research is applied-exploratory in nature and employed a qualitative approach based on Grounded Theory. The statistical population consisted of managers and experts from knowledge-based companies active in information technology, biotechnology, agriculture, and advanced industries in Semnan. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews with 11 participants, including R&D managers, market development directors, and chief executives. Purposive and judgmental sampling continued until theoretical saturation was reached. Data analysis followed the systematic coding approach of Strauss and Corbin, involving open, axial, and selective coding. This process yielded 169 open codes, 49 sub-categories, and 11 main categories. To ensure reliability and validity, inter-coder agreement between two independent coders was calculated and confirmed.
Findings: Findings revealed that the digital open innovation ecosystem in the context of knowledge management is influenced by a wide range of causal, contextual, intervening, strategic, and consequential factors. Causal factors include the adoption of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, content management systems, communication infrastructures, innovation hubs, and knowledge-based organizational culture. Contextual factors encompass managerial support, financial facilitation, start-up incubation, customer idea acquisition, cost reduction, and fostering a culture of innovation within organizations. Intervening conditions emphasized information security, confidentiality, intellectual property rights, and the establishment of transparent regulations. Strategic factors identified in the study covered encouraging collaboration and open thinking, addressing start-up challenges, creating platforms for knowledge exchange with customers, utilizing external ideas, developing infrastructures for knowledge transfer, and establishing research partnerships with scientific institutions. The consequences of implementing such an ecosystem include the expansion of bilateral and multilateral networks, joint investment opportunities, stronger ties with competitors, product and service upgrades, enhanced market presence, and sustainable organizational growth. The core category derived from the study was defined as “knowledge-based convergence in digital open innovation processes,” emphasizing the integration of internal and external knowledge flows and the adaptability of the ecosystem.
Conclusion: The proposed model highlights that the success of knowledge-based firms depends on their ability to integrate advanced technologies, employ comprehensive knowledge management, establish collaborative networks, and foster an innovation-oriented culture. The study underscores the need for agility, flexibility, and participatory approaches in building sustainable digital open innovation ecosystems. Beyond its theoretical contributions to knowledge management and innovation literature, the study provides practical insights for policymakers, managers, and investors in strengthening the digital innovation capacity of knowledge-based companies.

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References

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