A process view of open innovation

New developments in technology provide researchers opportunities to contribute to the open innovation literature. Previous literature about open innovation has focused on crowdsourcing platforms (Jeppesen & Lakhani, 2010) and development of constructs (Hughes & Wareham, 2009). However, investigation into innovation jams have been limited or scientifically supported within the innovation literature. Innovation Jams are one type of information and communication technologies that organizations are using to engage the collective knowledge of their network. Since open innovation platforms are still in their formative stages, few studies exist that analyze how innovation jams have evolved over time. In addition, this study has been conducted using longitudinal and retrospective analysis (Dittrich & Duysters, 2007; Dahlander & Wallin, 2006). This paper contributes to open innovation literature through the analysis of IBM's innovation jams using a longitudinal framework, participant observation, and retrospective data that suggests a process view of open innovation ( Pettigrew et al.,2003; Van de Ven, & Poole, 1995). Moreover, this study presents an evolutionary perspective on IBM's innovation jams from 2001 to 2009. Our longitudinal account focuses on the evolution of innovation jams, the role and interests of actants throughout the evolution of jams, the knowledge innovation, and goals. Preliminary results suggest technological and methodological changes occurred at different phases of IBM's use of innovation Jams. This includes the need for a more robust platform in managing a large audience, an aggregation mechanisms in building collective knowledge, and commitment from management through a mind shift to open and collaborative work. The paper concludes with suggestions for future research in demarcating open innovation platforms in exploring the advantages and role of each platform type.