OPEN INNOVATION IN SMES THAT CREATE VALUE WITH OPEN SOURCE SOFTWARE

Abstract

Open source software (OSS), as part of corporate open innovation is still a recent phenomenon. However, OSS has already the potential to fill the gap between innovation and product, and represents a great way for SME companies to create value in their target market. In a first instance, this paper reveals the major reasons and barriers for the adoption of open innovation in SMEs. Secondly it analyzes the use of open source software as an example of open innovation and presents the major pro- and anti-innovative features of OSS.