Assessing the Effectiveness of Open Innovation Implementation Strategies in the Promotion of Ambidextrous Innovation in Thai Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

Authors

Wutthiya A. Srisathan, International College, Khon Kaen University, 123 Mitrphap Road, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; Center for Sustainable Innovation and Society, International College, Khon Kaen University, 123 Mitrphap Road, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
Chavis Ketkaew, International College, Khon Kaen University, 123 Mitrphap Road, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; Center for Sustainable Innovation and Society, International College, Khon Kaen University, 123 Mitrphap Road, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
Phaninee Naruetharadhol, International College, Khon Kaen University, 123 Mitrphap Road, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; Center for Sustainable Innovation and Society, International College, Khon Kaen University, 123 Mitrphap Road, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; Hincks Centre for Entrepreneurship Excellence, Munster Technological University, Bishopstown, Cork T12 P928, Ireland

ORCID

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7158-0581

Document Type

Article

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Disciplines

Business | Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations

Publication Details

Journal of Innovation and Knowledge, vol. 8, no 4.

Abstract

The adoption of open innovation practices is becoming increasingly important for SMEs seeking to remain competitive in today's fast-paced business environment. The aim of this study is to understand the implementation of open innovation processes by SMEs while highlighting two critical processes: open innovation implementation (OII) and open ambidextrous innovation practices (OAIP). The study employes a second-order factor analysis incorporating multigroup structural invariance analysis to explore the differences in ambidextrous innovation practices across SME size categories using a sample of 615 SMEs in Thailand. The primary finding reveals and confirms a statistically significant positive relationship between the implementation of open innovation and the advancement of ambidextrous innovation practices. This relationship underlines the importance of embracing open innovation, as it fosters ambidextrous innovation, thereby enabling fresh perspectives, accelerating creativity, and facilitating knowledge exchange. Three categories of MSMEs—microenterprises, small enterprises, and medium-sized enterprises—are shown to be well positioned for adopting open innovation strategies, each demonstrating a significant ability to foster open innovation practices. In the study, practical and policy recommendations for business practitioners and policy-makers are presented, emphasizing the importance of understanding the organizational, managerial, technological, and contextual factors that underpin successful open innovation implementation. A novel structural second-order factor model that deepens our understanding of the complex relationships between open innovation processes is also introduced, offering valuable insights for academic researchers. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the importance of SMEs embracing open innovation practices and promoting ambidextrous innovation for sustained success and growth, and key strategic takeaways are proposed based on the empirical item-scale results.

Recommended Citation

Wutthiya A. Srisathan, Chavis Ketkaew, Phaninee Naruetharadhol, Assessing the effectiveness of open innovation implementation strategies in the promotion of ambidextrous innovation in Thai small and medium-sized enterprises, Journal of Innovation & Knowledge, Volume 8, Issue 4, 2023, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jik.2023.100418.