The fine line between success and failure: an analysis of open innovation projects

Purpose Despite the multiple calls for research on dark side of open innovation, very few studies have approached topic so far. This study aims to analyse successful and unsuccessful innovation projects. Design/methodology/approach uses thematic analysis describe factors determining their (un)success. The researchers interviewed 27 managers owners in manufacturing sector. Then, respondents were asked discuss one project explore differences triggers setbacks, focusing causes that determined failures. Findings show many interviewees are reluctant identify failure cases, which somewhat explains paucity topic, others do when is recognised by a third party (such as public institution not granting funds project). discussed how this phenomenon linked with paradoxical relation between success failure. It also found setbacks project's (un)success markedly differently based technological intensity firm. Implications scholars practitioners drawn. Originality/value provides balanced view successes failures offer informative recommendations practitioners. Furthermore, it contributes filling scarcity related risks gap has been addressed studying determine unsuccess an project.