Yuliya Shutyak, PhD., University of Liege, HEC Management School, CEPE, 14 Louvrex str., Liege 4000, Belgium. E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

The paper investigates the practice of Open Innovation (OI) of university spin-offs. Three interviews were conducted to discuss the knowledge of spin-offs about OI, their attitude to this innovation management strategy based on perceived advantages and disadvantages, and their motivation towards OI practice in the future. Problems with planning, control and trust appear to be some of the most important for OI success. Focusing on these and other urgent aspects of OI, the article discusses a research agenda that can help in formulating research questions and hypothesis, thus directing their efforts to search for solutions to identified problems.

Keywords: innovation, open innovation, spin-off, small and medium business.