Open Innovation Processes in Living Lab Innovation Systems: Insights from the LeYLab

A shift in the dominant mode of innovation – from vertically integrated innovation towards a more distributed mode of innovation – has forced companies to alter both their research and development processes and their approach to innovation management. Instead of focusing on hiring people with all relevant skills and knowledge, and investing heavily in internal research and development capacities, companies had to actively look outside their walls for knowledge and technology to complement internal assets. This shift in the dominant mode of innovation not only required companies to adapt by developing or acquiring different skills and abilities, it also encouraged a growing body of research into the nature and occurrence of distributed innovation processes.