Strategic implementation of Open Innovation methods in small and medium-sized enterprises

Over the last decades, an increased appreciation of external contributors within the product development process can be noticed as a significant development within innovation management. This open form of innovation is summarised under the concept of Open Innovation. Yet, it is difficult to apply it to small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) as they struggle to implement these Open Innovation methods. It is therefore very important to develop appropriate organisational forms for these enterprises. In this context, the article describes both the environmental changes and the specific characteristics of SME as well as their impact when using Open Innovation in SMEs. The goal of this article is to develop a first concept for the implementation of Open Innovation methods into the innovation management of SME.