Open Innovation in Science

Open Innovation in Science (OIS) aims to improve scientific research through open and collaborative innovation processes. Principles of open innovation are applied to science to promote knowledge transfer and collaboration between researchers, companies, social actors, stakeholders and the public.

The Open Innovation in Science (OIS) Framework forms the foundation of our activities and serves as the theoretical backbone of the LBG OIS Center. It was developed through a collaborative process involving 47 researchers from various disciplines. Throughout this process, commonalities and tensions between existing approaches—such as Open Innovation, Open Science, and related concepts like Responsible Research and Innovation—were identified and integrated into the framework. As a result, it provides guidance for researchers and practitioners in implementing Open Innovation in Science activities.

Beck et al 2022: The Open Innovation in Science Framework

Within the framework, we understand OIS as a process in which knowledge flows, as well as inter- and transdisciplinary collaboration, are purposefully enabled, initiated, and managed in the context of the research process. A key aspect is that this occurs across organizational and disciplinary boundaries while pursuing clearly defined objectives. This means that OIS is a deliberate and guided approach, requiring process and implementation knowledge to navigate the complex structures of scientific knowledge production. Therefore, before implementing OIS projects, it is crucial to consider the multidimensional contextual factors at play.

Furthermore, openness and collaboration within OIS are never ends in themselves but rather one (among many) way to enhance the novelty, relevance, and (societal) impact of science. We view OIS as a process innovation in the scientific context, aimed at improving both the input to and the output from science. At its core, this approach emphasizes the integration of diverse stakeholders and organizations. Managing and orchestrating inbound and outbound knowledge flows with reciprocal effects is therefore a key competency of the LBG OIS Center. As highlighted by the framework, OIS-supporting activities can be implemented at different levels, such as fostering new, cross-disciplinary skills at the individual level. The focus of many LBG OIS Center offerings and measures of the LBG OIS Center operate at the individual, team, and organizational levels.