Resource recombination perspective on open eco-innovation: Open innovation type, strategic orientation, and green innovation

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the missing links in open eco-innovation by focusing on the following questions, which existing studies have limited attention in the existing literature: (1) Given the level of breadth and depth of a firm's open eco-innovation, how can open innovation types be distinguished? (2) In what way does the open innovation type differ in implementing an open eco-innovation strategy? and (3) How do open innovation strategic differences affect green innovation performance? Drawing upon the knowledge-based view and dynamic capability perspective, this study provides theoretical grounds for a firm's breadth and depth of an open eco-innovation strategy. It suggests a 2 (Formula presented.) 2 resource recombination framework to differentiate between four open innovation types for green innovation: Maverick, Best friend, True, and Cherry-picker. Using data from 2496 manufacturing firms in South Korea, we applied a k-means cluster analysis to generate four groups and conducted regression analyses to confirm hypotheses. Our findings supported the influence of open innovation type on strategic orientation; however, the effect was not observed in Best Friend. Additionally, ambidextrous strategic orientation significantly influenced green innovation compared to either exploitative or explorative strategic orientations.