Open Innovation at Siemens

Karim R. Lakhani, Katja Hutter, Stephanie Healy Pokrywa, Johann Fuller

The case describes Siemens, a worldwide innovator in the Energy, Healthcare, Industry, and Infrastructure & Cities sectors, and its efforts to develop and commercialize new R&D through open innovation, including internal and external crowdsourcing contests. Emphasis is placed on exploring actual open innovation initiatives within Siemens and their outcomes. These include creating internal social- and knowledge-sharing networks and utilzing third party platforms to host internal and external contests. Industries discussed include energy, green technology, infrastructure and cities, and sustainability. In addition, the importance of fostering a collaborative online environment and protecting intellectual property is explored.

Learning Objective

To discuss the rationale for firms to participate in open innovation with internal and external networks. Investigate the impact of a traditional firm going open.

Details

Pub Date: Jun 17, 2013(Revised: Mar 9, 2015)

Discipline: Operations Management

Subjects: Asset allocation, Collaborative innovation, Community development, Cross-functional management, Crowdsourcing, Energy, Green business, Health, Information management, Information technology, Innovation, Innovation focused strategy, Knowledge management, Management, Managing creativity & innovation, Manufacturing, R&D, Strategy, Technology

Source: Harvard Business School

Product #: 613100-PDF-ENG

Teaching note : Available

Industry: Electric power generation, Health care services, Hydraulics technology, Information technology consulting services, Manufacturing

Geography: Germany

Length: 19 page(s)