Opening-up innovation in the computer service sector in Italy: an exploration

Innovation networks are emerging as a solution that allows the firms to cope with the complexity and turbulence of today’s technological and market environment. In a perspective of “open innovation”, the capability to grasp fresh knowledge from a wide range of external sources becomes essential for the companies. This paper explores the importance of network relationships in the case of innovative processes of software companies. Computer software is a knowledge-intensive service sector that requires the exchange of complex bundles of information and knowledge among many actors. In particular, it is examined how different knowledge-based strategies can be activated based on the resort to external knowledge and capabilities rather than their internal development. These strategies are then seen in relation to the innovative capability of companies. The paper is based on an in-depth multiple case-study involving different providers of ERP software packages in Italy.