Investigating the open innovation policy tools aimed at supporting Iranian New Technology-Based Firms

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Faculty Member, Deparment of Science and Policy Making, Institute of Science and Technolog Studies, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.

2 Faculty Member, Deparment of Industrial and Technology Management, Faculty of Management and Accounting, College of Farabi, University of Tehran, Qom, Iran.

3 MBA, Sharif University of Technology

Abstract

In this paper, we investigate the implementation experience, performance, and challenges of open innovation tools under the law for supporting New Technology-Based Firms (NTBFs) from 2012 to 2022. This law is the most important national initiative for supporting innovative and technologically capable firms entailing more than 110 tools – of which 10 tools are dedicated to supporting open innovation and we focus on them in this paper. By adopting a qualitative research method and we conducted a content analysis of data gathered from semi-structured interviews, reports, and documents pertinent to open innovation (inbound, outbound, and coupled) tools. Our findings reveal that events and networks and meeting the technological needs of large companies are the two tools with higher influence on performance in match-making and the exchange of ideas and knowledge among NTBFs. Compared to international experiences, the creation and diffusion of knowledge and joint research are less supported tools in Iran. Assessing open innovation tools, policy-level open innovation coordination, and encouraging large public firms toward engaging in open innovation, are the key practical and theoretical implications of this paper.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

Afrasiabi, R. (2014). The effect of internal and external factors on open innovation [In Persian]. Technology Development Management, 2(2), 29-46. https://doi.org/10.22104/jtdm.2015.135
Aghajanian, S., Tabaian, K., Radfar, R., & Seyed Hosseini, S. (2020). Designing a Model for Open Innovation Project Management at Market-Based Collaboration: A case study in Information and Communication Technology sector [In Persian]. Technology Development Management, 8(3), 45-92. https://doi.org/10.22104/jtdm.2021.4114.2473
Akbari, M., Zarre parvar, E., Padaash ziveh, H., & Alizade Moghaddam, S. (2018). The impact of Inbound and Outbound Open Innovation on Innovation Performance of Information and Communication Technology Firms [In Persian]. Technology Development Management, 157-184. https://doi.org/10.22104/jtdm.2019.2673.1901
Alizadeh, P., Safdari, M., & Fartash, K. (2021). An Investigation into the Maximum Utilization of National Production and Service Capacity Act [In Persian].  Science and Technology Policy, 14(1), 54-70. https://doi.org/10.22034/JSTP.2021.13887
Ansari, R. (2011). Technological Collaborations;Key cocepts and success factors [In Persian]. Technology Development (Roshd-e-Fanavari), 65-71. https://www.sid.ir/fileserver/jf/43013913008.pdf
Armaghan, N., Ghaed Sharifi, H., & Agha Beigi, S. (2022). The role of open innovation in technology development in knowledge-based companies - case study: Incubator of Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology [In Persian]. Journal of Technology Development Management, 10(1), 37-60. https://doi.org/10.22104/jtdm.2022.5132.2863
Bagheri, A., & Booshehri, A. (2013). Modelingof factors affecting the achievements of technological cooperation; A study of technological cooperation of nanotechnology in Iran [In Persian]. Innovation Management, 2(1), 113-140. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2016.07.039
Baghersaad, M., & Fahimpour, V. (2019). Open Innovation and Intellectual Property Rights [In Persian]. Retrieved from Iran Patent Center: https://b2n.ir/PatentOffice
Bianchi, M., Cavaliere, A., Chiaroni, D., Frattini, F., & Chiesa, V. (2011). Organizational modes for Open Innovation in the bio-pharmaceutical industry: An exploratory analysis. Technovation, 22-33. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.technovation.2010.03.002
Bogers, M., Chesbrough, H., & Moedas, C. (2018). Open Innovation: Research, Practice, Policies. 60(2), 5-16. https://doi.org/10.1177/0008125617745086
Carrasco-Carvajal, O., García-Pérez-de-Lema, D., & Castillo-Vergara, M. (2023). Impact of innovation strategy, absorptive capacity, and open innovation on SME performance: A Chilean case study. Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity, 9(2), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joitmc.2023.100065
Chesbrough, H. (2003). Open Innovation: The New Imperative for Creating and Profiting from Technology. Harvard Business Review Press. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/14601060410565074
Chesbrough, H. (2006). Open Business Models: How to Thrive in the New InnovationLandscape. Boston, MA: Harvard Business School Press. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-5885.2008.00309_1.x
Chesbrough, H. (2019). Open Innovation Results: Going Beyond the Hype and Getting Down to BusinessGoing Beyond the Hype and Getting Down to Business. Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780198841906.001.0001
Chesbrough, H., Vanhaverbeke, W., Bakici, T., & Lopez-Vega, H. (2011). Open innovation and public policy in Europe. Barcelona, Spain: ESADE Business School, Science Business Innovation Board. https://doi.org/10.1142/9789813230972_0015
De Jong, J. P., Kavlet, T., & Vanhaverbeke, W. (2010). Exploring a theoretical framework to structure the public policy implications of open innovation. Technology Analysis & Strategic Management, 877-896. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09537325.2010.522771
De Marco, C., Martelli, I., & Di Minin, A. (2020). European SMEs’ engagement in open innovation When the important thing is to win and not just to participate, what should innovation policy do? Technological Forecasting & Social Change, 152. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2019.119843
Dehghani Poudeh, H., Akhavan, P., & Hosseini Sarkhosh, S. (2013). Enhancing new product development success based on open innovation approach: A case study of a research organization [In Persian]. Innovation Management Journal, 2(2), 45-68. https://www.nowavari.ir/article_14633_22ef2606c7545b30d0cc9faed1aae7bf.pdf?lang=en
Enkel, E., & Gsaamann, O. (2008). Driving open innovation in the front end. . The IBM case. Working Paper University of St. Gallen and Zeppelin University, St. Gallen and Friedrichshafen. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/36396701_Driving_Open_Innovation_in_the_Front_End
European Commission. (2016). Open Innovation Open Science Open to the World. Publications Office of the European Union. http://dx.doi.org/10.2777/061652
EzzatiRaad, J. (2019). Introducing the open innovation model in holding domestic exhibitions[In Persian]. Retrieved from karokarafarini: https://b2n.ir/externalexpose
Farnoodi, S., Ghazinoori, S., Radfar, R., & Tabatabaeian, H. (2017). Investigating the Growth Factors of Knowledge-Based Firms in Iran with Approach to Explaining the Possible Paths [In Persian]. Science and Technology Policy, 9(2), 50-65. https://dorl.net/dor/20.1001.1.20080840.1396.10.2.5.6
Farsnews. (2021, Aban 18). 300 thousand billion tomans annual income of knowledge-based companies in the country [In Persian]. Retrieved from Fars News Agency: https://www.farsnews.ir/golestan/news/14000818000823 
Fartash, K., Mohseni, M., & Mesma Khosroshahi, E. (2021). Analyzing Policy Instruments Used in Technological Collaboration of 3 Large Firms with Small Technology-based Firms [In Persian]. Science & Technology Policy, 14(3), 1-17. https://doi.org/10.22034/JSTP.2021.14.3.1272
Flick, U. (2018). Doing triangulation and mixed methods (Vol. 8). Sage. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781529716634
Flor, M. L., Diaz, J. B., & Ortiz, M. L. (2020). Innovation policy instruments through the lens of open. Journal of evolution studies in business, 5(1), 52-80. https://doi.org/10.1344/JESB2020.1.j068
Gasco, M. (2016). Living labs: Implementing open innovation in the public sector. Government Information Quarterly, 34(1), 90-98. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.giq.2016.09.003
Gassmann, O. (2006). Opening up the innovation process: towards an agenda. R&DManagement, 36, 223-226. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9310.2006.00437.x
Ghazinoori, S., Sajadifar, M., Sahebkar Khorasani, M., Mousavi, A., & Mohammad Hashemi, Z. (2019). Evaluating Effectiveness of Governmental Supports from Knowledge-Based Biotechnology Firms [In Persian]. Modares Journal of Biotechnology, 681-697. http://dorl.net/dor/20.1001.1.23222115.1398.10.4.18.6
Ghazinoori, S., Sajadfar, M., & Mohammad Hashemi, Z. (2020). A Logic Model for Fiscal and Tax Policy Instruments of the Law for Supporting Knowledge-based Firms(KBFs) [In Persian]. Rahyaft, 76, 67-81. https://doi.org/10.22034/rahyaft.2020.13799
Hagedoorn, J. (2002). Inter-firm R&D partnerships: an overview of major trends and patterns since 1960. Research Policy, 31(4), 477-492. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0048-7333(01)00120-2
Hagedoorn, J., & Duysters, G. (2002). External sources of innovative capabilities: the preferences for strategic alliances or mergers and acquisitions. Journal of Management studies, 821-883. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-6486.00287
Herstad, S. J., Bloch, C., Ebersberger, B., & Van De Velde, E. (2010). National innovation policy and global open innovation: exploring balances, tradeoffs and complementarities. Science and Public Policy, 37(2), 113-124. https://doi.org/10.3152/030234210X489590
Heydari, M., & Mohammadi, P. (2017). Mitigating Agency Problems in Venture Capital Contracting in Different Stage of Iranian Entrepreneurial Firms Growth [In Persian]. Innovation Management, 6(3), 113-140. https://www.nowavari.ir/article_65090.html?lang=en
JamiPour, M., Jafari, S., & Najafi, N. (2020). The Framework of the Success Factors of Open Innovation Implementation Using Meta-Synthesis Approach [In Persian]. Technology Developement Management, 8(2), 77-115. https://doi.org/10.22104/jtdm.2020.3592.2246
KaramiPour, A., Khaleghi, M., Arasti, M., & GaroosiMokhtarzade, N. (2015). How can the government support the Enhancement of Innovation-based capabilities in large firms? [In Persian] Technology Development Management, 3(3), 9-26. https://doi.org/10.22104/jtdm.2016.365
Khayatian, s., Fartash, k., & Ghorbani, A. (2020). Historical Analysis of Solar Photovoltaic Technology Development in Iran: An Institutional Approach [In Persian]. Management Improvement, 14(1), 1-30. https://doi.org/10.22034/jmi.2020.107105
Knowledge-based Institutions & Companies Center. (2016). Knowledge-based companies' use of media promotion support [In Persian]. Retrieved from daneshbonyan: https://b2n.ir/NBCcenter
Knowledge-based Institutions & Companies Center. (2019). 110 Support for knowledge-based companies and institutions [In Persian]. Tehran: Vice Presidency for Knowledge and Technology. https://daneshbonyan.isti.ir/uploads/132/2021/Jul/16/110_hemayat_1.pdf
Knowledge-based Institutions & Companies Center. (2022). Daneshbonyan dashboard [In Persian]. Retrieved from Knowledge based Institutions & Companies Center: https://daneshbonyan.isti.ir/داده-نمای-دانش-بنیان
Laursen, K., & Salter, A. (2006). Open for innovation: the role of openness in explaininginnovation performance among UK manufacturing firms. Strategic ManagementJournal, 27, 131-150. https://doi.org/10.1002/smj.507
Lettl, C., Herstatt, C., & Gemueden, H. (2006). ‘Users’ contributions to radical innovation: evidence from four cases in the field of medical equipment technology. R&D Management, 36, 251-272. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9310.2006.00431.x
Maghsoodi Ganjeh, Y., Khani, N., & Alem Tabriz, A. (2019). Networking Capability, Business Networks Structure, and Commercialization Performance in Knowledge-Based Companies (Case Study: Isfahan Province Knowledge-Based Companies) [In Persian]. Technology Development Management, 7(4), 151-180. https://doi.org/10.1080/1051712X.2021.1893033
Manteghi, M., & Hasan abadi, P. (2016). Requirements for transition from close innovation to open innovation [In Persian]. Technology Development (Roshd-e-Fanavari), 12(46), 26-34. https://doi.org/10.7508/jstpi.2016.02.004
Mohseni Kiasari, M., Mohammadi, M., & Jafarnejad, A. (2017). Classification of Demand-based Innovation Policy Tools Using Meta-synthesis Approach [In Persian]. Journal of Innovation Management, 6(2), 109-138. https://www.nowavari.ir/article_60175.html
Naghizadeh, R. (2017). The Pattern of Cooperation Between Small Knowledge-Based Firms and Industrial and Economic Firms; by Guaranteed-Buys Method [In Persian]. Science & Technology Policy, 9(2), 67-81. https://dorl.net/dor/20.1001.1.20080840.1396.10.2.6.7
Narimani, M., Shalbafi, M., & Saeedreza, F. (2019). Public Procurement as Technology and Innovation Policy Tool: A Case Study of Iran-Lab-Expo [In Persian]. Scienc and Technology Policy, 10(4), 17-33.   https://dorl.net/dor/20.1001.1.20080840.1397.11.4.3.5
National Innovation Fund. (2019). Co-Investment Process [In Persian]. Retrieved from https://www.inif.ir/co-investment-process
National Innovation Fund. (2020). An overview of the performance of NIF in the development of the market of NBCs: 20 months of efforts of the NIF from Azar1397 to the end of Tir1399 [In Persian]. Tehran: National Innovation Fund.
National Innovation Fund. (2021). National Innovation Fund Performance Report [In Persian]Tehran: National Innovation Fund.
National Innovation Fund. (2022a). Domestic Exhibition [In Persian]. Retrieved from https://cbd.inif.ir/national-exhibition
National Innovation Fund. (2022b). International Exhibition [In Persian]. Retrieved from https://cbd.inif.ir/international-exhibition
National Innovation Fund. (2022c). National Innovation Fund Performance Report [In Persian]. Tehran: National Innovation Fund, Tehran, Iran.
Piller, F., & Walcher, D. (2006). Toolkits for idea competitions: a novel method to integrate users in new product development. R&D Management, 36, 307-318. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9310.2006.00432.x
Raunio, M., Nordling, N., & Kautonen, M. (2018). Open Innovation Platforms as a Knowledge Triangle Policy Tool: Evidence from Finland. Foresight and STI Governance, 12(2), 62-76. http://dx.doi.org/10.17323/2500-2597.2018.2.62.76
Richard, E. E., Davis, J., Paik, J., & Lakhani, K. (2019). Sustaining open innovation through a “Center of Excellence”. Strategy and Leadership, 47(3), 19-26. https://doi.org/10.1108/SL-02-2019-0031
Rowlands, T., Waddell, N., & McKenna, B. (2016). Are we there yet? A technique to determine theoretical sturation. Computer Information System, 56(1), 40-47. https://doi.org/10.1080/08874417.2015.11645799
Sadr, S., & Ansari, R. (2015). The Effect of Open Innovation and Technical Turbulence on Innovation Performance in Order to Achieve Competitive Advantage in Knowledge Intensive Companies [In Persian]. Improvement Management, 95-114. https://www.behboodmodiriat.ir/article_42870.html?lang=en
Saldana, J. (2015). The Coding Manual for Qualitative Researchers. Sage. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/QROM-08-2016-1408
Saunders, M., Lewis, P., & Thornhill, A. (2009). Research Method for Business Students (Fifth ed.). Prentice Hall. https://sisis.rz.htw-berlin.de/inh2012/12402512.pdf
Siadati, H., & Afshari, M. (2019). Policies for promoting Open Innovation. Science and Technology Policy, 11(2), 378-393. https://dorl.net/dor/20.1001.1.20080840.1398.12.2.25.0
Strategic Technologies Laboratory Network. (2019). Discount scheme for membership in the customer club [In Persian]. Retrieved from https://labsnet.ir/page/4940
Technology Market. (2022). Retrieved from National TechMart: https://techmart.ir/
Technology Market. (2015). Meetings of the use of internal technologies [In Persian]. Retrieved from https://techmart.ir/cp/Meetings-of-the-use-of-internal-technologies
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). (2008). Open innovation in global networks. Retrieved from OECD. https://doi.org/10.1787/9789264047693-en
Vakil Alroaia, Y. (2023). Open Innovation and SMEs: Providing a Model for Business Development (an Application on Iranian Industrial Park) [In Persian]. Journal of Applied Research on Industrial Engineering, 10(1), 125-140.   https://doi.org/10.22105/jarie.2021.281399.1303
von Hippel, E. (2005). Democratizing Innovation. Cambridge, MA: The MIT Press. https://doi.org/10.7551/mitpress/2333.001.0001
Von Krogh, G., Spaeth, S., & Lakhani, K. R. (2003). Community, joining, and specialization in open. Research policy, 1217-1241. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0048-7333(03)00050-7
Vsn Der Meer, H. (2007). Open Innovation – The Dutch Treat: Challenges in Thinking in Business Models. Creativity and Innovation Management, 16(2), 192-202. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8691.2007.00433.x
West, J., & Bogers, M. (2011). Profiting from external innovation: a review of researchon open innovation. Retrieved from https://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1949520
Zolfaghari, A., Akbari, M., & Alizade, S. (2022). Open Innovation Development Policy Making:Requirements for Iran [In Persian]. Technology Development (Roshd-e-Fanavari), 18(71), 33-42. https://dorl.net/dor/20.1001.1.17355486.1401.18.71.7.0
 
Journal of Technology Development Management
Volume 11, Issue 1
January 2024
Pages 41-84

Files

History

  • Receive Date: 04 November 2022
  • Revise Date: 25 October 2023
  • Accept Date: 11 December 2023

Share

How to cite

Statistics