Ces dix dernières années, la mondialisation des entreprises a bouleversé l'organisation des processus d'innovation. Dès lors, on constate qu'un nombre croissant d'équipes d'innovation repose sur des acteurs éparpillés dans le monde entier. Si les gains attendus sont légitimes (localisation proche des marchés, mains-d'œuvre qualifiées à moindre coût…) cet éparpillement des acteurs pose de réels problèmes de coordination. La littérature sur les équipes multilocalisées a jusqu'ici souligné ces difficultés sans pour autant apporter de réponses. À partir de la théorie de la contingence, le modèle de recherche propose d'étudier quels sont les principaux modes de coordination des projets d'innovation adaptés au contexte de la multilocalisation. Le test du modèle est réalisé au moyen des équations structurelles (PLS) et repose sur une enquête ad hoc menée auprès d'équipes projets soumises à différents niveaux de multilocalisation. Le résultat montre que la multilocalisation influence l'ensemble des modes de coordination identifiés et peut ainsi être considérée comme un facteur de contingence. Au final, cette recherche contribue à la littérature sur l'innovation et à celle des équipes multilocalisées en proposant deux configurations de modes de coordination (au niveau de l'organisation, de la décision et de la communication) distincts en fonction du niveau de multilocalisation (faible ou élevé). / Over the past decade, corporate globalization has changed the organization of the innovation process. A growing number of innovation teams are now organized around members scattered all over the world. If the expected gains are legitimate (location close to the markets, skilled and lower cost labor...) the scattering of these teams yields to real problems of coordination. The literature on distributed teams has highlighted so far these difficulties without providing answers. Based on the contingency theory, the research model proposes to investigate the main coordination modes of innovation projects that are adapted to the context of projects distribution. The empirical test of our model is achieved through structural equation modeling (PLS). It is based on an ad hoc survey conducted through project teams of different levels distribution. Main results show that the distance influences all the identified coordination modes and can be considered as a contingency factor. Finally, this research contributes to the literature on innovation and on distributed teams offering two configurations of coordination modes (in terms of organization, decision-making and communication) according to the level of project distribution (low or high).

La maîtrise du processus d’innovation est devenu un enjeu majeur pour les acteurs économiques actuels. Plus particulièrement dans les industries de biens d’équipement, le processus de conception et développement est long, complexe et implique différents acteurs travaillant sous des contraintes sévères. L’innovation n’est plus une activité ponctuelle mais récurrente. Le développement de nouveaux produits est donc organisée sous la forme de projets: les «projets d’innovation». A partir des observations portées sur le pilotage des projets d’innovation à l’intérieur d’un groupe industriel appelé Converteam, cette thèse propose une méthode de classification et segmentation des projets d'innovation de biens d’équipement. Afin de concevoir cette méthode de classification, une méthodologie d’observation pour la collecte des données a été mise au point. La campagne d’expérimentation a été menée dans le cadre de six projets d’innovation développés chez Converteam. Nous avons commencé par réaliser une analyse de l’évolution et de la dynamique d’innovation de la technologie des moteurs électriques afin de préciser la problématique industrielle. Ensuite nous avons analysé la littérature afin de trouver les éléments permettant de mettre au point une classification des projets d’innovation. L’étude de ces éléments a abouti dans une méthode de classification qui prend en compte les aspects marketing, technologiques et les attentes des entreprises, pour classer les projets en trois catégories : la différentiation, la neutralisation et l’optimisation. Cette méthode a été testée sur six projets d’innovation ce qui nous a permis de dégager de bonnes pratiques pour chaque catégorie de projet / Mastering the innovation process is a critical and major issue for a wide range of companies in this rapidly changing world. Especially in the capital goods industries where the design and development process is very long, complex and involves many different departments working under severe constraints (limited financial and technological resources, time, standards and rules to follow, etc). Innovation in these industries is no longer casual, but it has became a pivotal activity of the company. Thus, new product development activity is organized into "innovation projects". From observations of the innovative projects driver within a large industrial group called Converteam, this thesis proposes a method for classifying and segmenting capital goods innovation projects. In order to develop this classification method, an observation methodology for data collection has been developed. The experimental procedure was performed in six innovation projects developed at Converteam. We started by analysing the evolution and dynamics of the electric motors technology. Then, we analyzed the literature in order to find the inputs and outputs needed to develop a classification of innovation projects. The study of these elements resulted in a classification method that takes into account the marketing and technological aspects and the company expectations to classify projects into three categories: differentiation, neutralization and optimization. This method was tested on six innovative projects that allowed us to identify good practices for each project category

Les échanges de connaissances réalisés par voie informelle entre acteurs de l’innovation sont pratique courante. L’objectif de cette recherche vise à mettre en évidence, d’une part, les facteurs qui déterminent l’engagement d’un individu dans un processus d’échange de connaissances par voie informelle avec un tiers extérieur à son entreprise et, d’autre part, dans quelle mesure la connaissance acquise par voie informelle est susceptible d’impacter la performance des projets d’innovation. Pour ce faire, une démarche méthodologique en deux temps a été utilisée. Une étude exploratoire a tout d’abord été menée auprès de 10 responsables de l’innovation qui, de manière complémentaire à l’analyse de la littérature, a permis de construire notre modèle causal. Ce modèle a, par la suite, été validé par un échantillon de 360 acteurs de l’innovation. Outre la confirmation de la qualité du modèle, il ressort de cette étude trois enseignements majeurs. Tout d’abord, que ce sont les facteurs individuels qui influencent le plus la décision d’un individu d’échanger de la connaissance par voie informelle ; ensuite, que la connaissance acquise par voie informelle influence positivement la performance des projets d’innovation ; et, enfin, que les intermédiaires de l’innovation influencent positivement le lien entre les types d’échanges et la performance des projets d’innovation. Ces résultats apportent des contributions majeures d’un point de vue académique et managérial, et ouvrent de nombreuses voies de recherche dans un contexte d’innovation ouverte / Informal knowledge exchanges between innovation actors are common. The aim of this research is to highlight, first, the factors that determine the commitment of an individual in an informal knowledge exchange with a third party outside his company and, second, to what extent the knowledge gained by informal route is likely to positively impact the performance of innovation projects. To do this, a methodological approach in two stages was used. An exploratory study was first conducted with 10 leaders of innovation, which complementarily to the analysis of the literature allowed us to build our causal model. This model has subsequently been validated by a sample of 360 innovation actors. Besides confirming the quality of the model, it follows from this study three major lessons. First, it is the personal factors that influence the most the decision of an individual to share knowledge through informal channels; secondly, the knowledge acquired by informal channels positively influences the performance of innovation projects; and, finally, the innovation intermediaries positively influence the relationship between the different types of exchange and the performance of innovation projects. These results provide major contributions of an academic and managerial point of view, and have opened up vistas for research in an open innovation context

Submitted by Tatiana Lima (tatianasl@ufba.br) on 2015-03-23T18:23:56Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Motta, Gustavo da Silva.pdf: 3216520 bytes, checksum: 560d0a5648b54998acc11f8b6fa3e65b (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Tatiana Lima (tatianasl@ufba.br) on 2015-03-23T21:43:10Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 Motta, Gustavo da Silva.pdf: 3216520 bytes, checksum: 560d0a5648b54998acc11f8b6fa3e65b (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2015-03-23T21:43:10Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Motta, Gustavo da Silva.pdf: 3216520 bytes, checksum: 560d0a5648b54998acc11f8b6fa3e65b (MD5) / Esta tese tem o objetivo de propor uma abordagem patento-cientométrica para avaliação de projetos inovadores, por fundos de capital de risco. Observa-se a importância dos investimentos dessa natureza no desenvolvimento de empresas de base tecnológica e seus impactos positivos no desenvolvimento econômico de regiões e países. Entretanto observa-se, também, que os gestores dos fundos de investimento têm dificuldade para objetivar a avaliação das propostas de investimento. Para tanto, está estruturada em cinco capítulos, dos quais três correspondem a artigos de natureza científica submetidos nos últimos seis meses à avaliação para publicação em periódicos nacionais e internacionais de expressivo reconhecimento na área desta pesquisa. Os outros dois capítulos são a introdução e a meta-conclusão. Método: na primeira fase, que envolve os Capítulos 2 e 3, foram selecionados dois casos de empresas investidas pelo fundo Criatec, para a construção de indicadores cientométricos e patentométricos e avaliação do potencial destes para a compreensão das tecnologias analisadas quando de sua avaliação; na segunda fase, que envolve o Capítulo 4, foi realizada uma análise comparativa de cinco empresas, considerando os indicadores cientométricos e patentométricos construídos na primeira fase, agrupados pelos critérios não financeiros (tecnologia, mercado, desinvestimento e equipe) de análise de propostas de investimento. Resultados: conclui-se que os indicadores cientométricos e patentométricos, além de auxiliar na compreensão dos aspectos relacionados aos critérios não-financeiros abordados neste estudo (tecnologia, mercado, desinvestimento e equipe), contribuem para a construção de um método de priorização de investimento de capital de risco. A metodologia empregada pode ser útil à instrumentalização de processos de seleção de projetos pelos investidores de risco, ao incorporar um maior conhecimento a respeito da dinâmica da produção em ciência e tecnologia relacionada ao produto das empresas sob análise, além de, em uma análise comparativa, poder facilitar o processo de escolha entre diversos projetos. This thesis aims to propose a patento-scientometric approach for evaluation of innovative projects by venture capital funds. This study highlights the importance of such investments in the development of technology-based firms and their positive impacts on the economic development of regions and countries. However, it is also observed that the managers of venture capital funds find it difficult to objectify the evaluation of investment proposals. Therefore, it is structured in five chapters, three of which correspond to scientific articles submitted in the last six months to review for publication in national and international journals of significant recognition in this research area. The other two chapters are the introduction and meta-conclusion. Method: In the first phase, which involves Chapters 2 and 3, we selected two cases of investees by Criatec Fund for the construction of scientometric and patentometric indicators and evaluating the potential of these technologies to understanding the analyzed upon its review; in the second phase, which involves Chapter 4, we performed a comparative analysis of five companies considering scientometric and patentometric indicators built in the first phase, grouped by nonfinancial criteria (technology, market, divestment and team) analysis of investment proposals. Results: concludes that scientometrics and patentometrics indicators, in addition to helping the understanding aspects of the non-financial criteria related in this study (technology, market, divestment and team), contribute to building a method of prioritizing venture capital investment. The methodology can be useful tools for the selection process of projects by venture capitalists, by incorporating a greater knowledge about the dynamics of production in science and technology related to the product of the companies under review, and, in a comparative analysis, able to support the process of choosing between several projects.

Ma thèse de doctorat traite de la sélection de projets d'innovation en entreprises, en utilisant les marchés de prédiction comme mécanisme de sélection alternatif. Le processus d'innovation et son évaluation sont des activités ayant des répercussions sur la croissance et le développement. L’évidence montre que les méthodes habituelles d'évaluation et de sélection de projets d’innovation, comme le processus en entonnoir, ne sont pas rentables. Proposer une méthode plus efficace contribuera de manière significative à une meilleure allocation des ressources. Dans la première partie de ma thèse, je teste les prévisions du marché de prédiction contre celles des experts. Dans la deuxième, j'examine les aspects comportementaux de la prise de décision sur le marché de prédiction entrepreneurial, notamment comment le biais d’optimisme influence les décisions des traders. J’ai mené pour ces parties des expériences avec des sujets humains. Dans la troisième partie, j'examine les propriétés et éléments clés des marchés de prédiction et fourni une chronique et une classification d’articles sur les contributions les plus importantes de la littérature dans ce sujet. / My PhD thesis deals with selection of corporate and entrepreneurial innovation projects, using prediction markets as an alternative selection mechanism. Innovation process and its evaluation are two very important economic activities with repercussions for growth and development. Available evidence strongly suggests that conventional evaluation and selection methods, such as development funnel in corporate setting or decisions of Venture Capital firms in entrepreneurial one, do not yield cost-effective results. Coming up with an efficient and cost-effective method would contribute significantly to better resource allocation and social welfare. In the first part of the thesis, I test the prediction market predictions against experts’. In the second part, I examine behavioral aspects of decision-making in entrepreneurial prediction market setting, particularly how optimism bias influences traders’ decisions in prediction market. I conducted experiments with human subjects for the first two parts. In the third part of the thesis, I examine the most important elements and properties of prediction markets and provide a survey of most important contributions to prediction market literature, together with the classification and list of articles in major categories.

As inovações, motores do desenvolvimento global, viabilizam-se nas organizações por meio dos projetos. Quanto maior for o nível de inovação nesses projetos, maior é a probabilidade de existirem incertezas imprevisíveis. A identificação dos sinais precoces de uma mudança permitiria perceber essas incertezas, porém, para o reconhecimento antecipado desses sinais, é preciso também dar sentido ao que está ocorrendo, pela criação de sentido (sensemaking). Assim, este estudo tem como objetivo principal entender qual é o fator gerador da incerteza imprevisível, quais são os fatores motivadores de sua identificação e quais práticas contribuem para a criação de sentido dessas incertezas em projetos inovadores. Para tal, foi feito um levantamento de campo, de maio a dezembro de 2011, no qual foram utilizados: um questionário para se obterem informações iniciais sobre os projetos que poderiam ser considerados inovadores e, posteriormente, uma entrevista aprofundada, direcionada por um roteiro com perguntas abertas, com um dos participantes do projeto. Foram enviados 152 convites para gestores de projetos, dos quais apenas 16 projetos atenderam aos requisitos exigidos, transformando-se em unidade de análise. A cada uma dessas unidades foram solicitados, também, pelo menos dois eventos imprevistos, materialização da incerteza imprevisível, obtendo-se a quantidade de 35. Esses eventos imprevistos foram considerados unidade de análise incorporada. A análise dos dados foi inicialmente qualitativa, com a geração de variáveis e categorias avaliadas estatisticamente; posteriormente, por meio de provas não paramétricas. Com base nas análises efetuadas, foi possível observar que o nível mais alto de eficiência na identificação da incerteza imprevisível - perceber a incerteza imprevisível previamente e ter menos impacto - ocorre preferencialmente em eventos com a percepção do sinal precoce feita pelo gerente do projeto ou pelo sponsor, no início do projeto; com a existência de um fator facilitador organizacional; com a utilização de um processo de criação coletiva de sentido. O nível mais baixo de eficiência - percepção tardia do evento imprevisto e existência de mais impacto - associa-se, porém, à causa externa da incerteza imprevisível, à ausência da percepção de um sinal precoce, à presença de um fator bloqueador à identificação com origem nas características pessoais, baixo número de atividades coletivas, entre outras. Recomenda-se incorporar o diagnóstico da incerteza na gestão de riscos dos projetos, buscar informações sobre as áreas incertas do projeto e interagir para socializar o conhecimento. Futuros estudos ampliados, para se obter um número maior de eventos e projetos, poderão permitir novas associações, assim como gerar um modelo multivariado. O uso de métodos alternativos de gestão de projetos inovadores também se mostra como um relevante tema de pesquisa. / The organizations enable innovations, engines of global development, through the projects. The more innovative a project, the greater is the probability of occurrence of unforeseeable uncertainties. The identification of early signs of a change would realize this kind of uncertainty, but for the early recognition of these early signs is necessary to give sense to them, sensemaking. Thus, this study aims to understand what the main factor that generates the unforeseeable uncertainty is, what the motivating factors for their identification are and what the practices that contribute to the creation of meaning of these uncertainties are on innovative projects. To this end, a field survey has been done, from May to December 2011, with: a questionnaire to obtain initial information about the projects that could be considered innovative, and subsequently an in-depth interview, guided by a script with open questions, with one of the project participants. 152 invitations were sent to project managers, of which only 16 projects met the requirements, becoming a unit of analysis. Each of these units was also requested at least two unforeseen events, materialization of unforeseeable uncertainty, thus obtaining 35 unanticipated events, which are considered the unit of analysis embedded. Data analysis was qualitative, the generation of categories and variables were evaluated statistically through non-parametric tests. Based on the analysis performed it was observed that the highest level of efficiency in identifying unforeseeable uncertainty - it was notice in advance and it had less impact - occurred preferentially when events have had the perception of early sign made by the project manager or the sponsor at the beginning of the project, with the existence of an organizational facilitator factor, and using a collective sensemaking process. Moreover, the lowest level of efficiency - late perception of the unforeseeable event and existence of more impact - were associated with the external cause of unforeseeable uncertainty, the lack of perception of an early signal, the presence of a blocking factor identification originated from the personal characteristics, low number of collective activities, among others. It is recommended to incorporate the diagnosis of unforseeable in risk management of projects, seeking information about the uncertain areas of the project and interacting to share the knowledge. Further studies extended to obtain a larger number of events and projects may allow new associations as well as generate a multivariate statistical model. The use of alternative methods of management of innovative projects to identify unforeseeable uncertainty also appears as a relevant research topic.

Magistro baigiamajame darbe išanalizuota ir pateikta inovacijų plėtros vertinimo metodika, ši metodika pateikiama praktiškai, pritaikant ją vertinant konkretų inovacijų plėtros projektą – automatizuotos traukinių ir vagonų komercinės apžiūros sistemos (AKAS) statybą AB „Lietuvos geležinkeliai“ Draugystės geležinkelio stotyje. Pirmoje darbo dalyje teoriniu aspektu tiriama inovacijų samprata, klasifikavimas, proceso problematika, pateikti inovacijų plėtros ekonominio naudingumo vertinimo principai. Antroje darbo dalyje nustatoma AKAS sistemos inovatyvumo ir ekonominio naudingumo vertinimo metodologija, kuri išskirta į dvi dalis: Lietuvos geležinkelio funkcijų atvejo analizės vertinimas ir AKAS sistemos tyrimo atvejo analizės vertinimas. AKAS sistemos tyrimui taikyti trys metodai: ekspertinė apklausa, inovacinių projektų rezultatų vertinimas, darbuotojų darbo laiko įdiegus AKAS sistemą analizės vertinimas. Trečioje darbo dalyje atliekami tirtų duomenų apdorojimai. Analizuojamos Lietuvos geležinkelio funkcijos ir AKAS sistemos tyrimo atvejis. Darbo gale pateikiamos išvados ir rekomendacijos AKAS sistemos tobulinimui. / Master‘s Work contains analyzed and presented innovation development evaluation methodology. This methodology presented in practical way using it evaluating particular innovation development project – automatical trains and wagons comercial review system‘s (AKAS) building in Join Stock Company „Lietuvos geležinkeliai“ Draugystės railway station. In the first part of the Work from theoretical point of view are examined the conception of innovations, classification, process issues, valuation principles of innovation development economical benefits listed. In the second part of the Work the evaluation methodology of AKAS system economical effectiveness and innovation is determined which is splitted in two parts: in case of Lithuanian railway‘s functions analysis evaluation and in case of AKAS system‘s survey analysis evaluation. Three methods was applied for analysis of AKAS system: experts survey, innovation projects results interpretation, analysis evaluation of workers work time after AKAS system‘s introduction. In the third part of the Work processing of examined data was made. Functions of Lithuanian railway and AKAS system case study are analyzed. Conclusions and recomendations for improvement of AKAS system presented in the end of the Work.

As inovações, motores do desenvolvimento global, viabilizam-se nas organizações por meio dos projetos. Quanto maior for o nível de inovação nesses projetos, maior é a probabilidade de existirem incertezas imprevisíveis. A identificação dos sinais precoces de uma mudança permitiria perceber essas incertezas, porém, para o reconhecimento antecipado desses sinais, é preciso também dar sentido ao que está ocorrendo, pela criação de sentido (sensemaking). Assim, este estudo tem como objetivo principal entender qual é o fator gerador da incerteza imprevisível, quais são os fatores motivadores de sua identificação e quais práticas contribuem para a criação de sentido dessas incertezas em projetos inovadores. Para tal, foi feito um levantamento de campo, de maio a dezembro de 2011, no qual foram utilizados: um questionário para se obterem informações iniciais sobre os projetos que poderiam ser considerados inovadores e, posteriormente, uma entrevista aprofundada, direcionada por um roteiro com perguntas abertas, com um dos participantes do projeto. Foram enviados 152 convites para gestores de projetos, dos quais apenas 16 projetos atenderam aos requisitos exigidos, transformando-se em unidade de análise. A cada uma dessas unidades foram solicitados, também, pelo menos dois eventos imprevistos, materialização da incerteza imprevisível, obtendo-se a quantidade de 35. Esses eventos imprevistos foram considerados unidade de análise incorporada. A análise dos dados foi inicialmente qualitativa, com a geração de variáveis e categorias avaliadas estatisticamente; posteriormente, por meio de provas não paramétricas. Com base nas análises efetuadas, foi possível observar que o nível mais alto de eficiência na identificação da incerteza imprevisível - perceber a incerteza imprevisível previamente e ter menos impacto - ocorre preferencialmente em eventos com a percepção do sinal precoce feita pelo gerente do projeto ou pelo sponsor, no início do projeto; com a existência de um fator facilitador organizacional; com a utilização de um processo de criação coletiva de sentido. O nível mais baixo de eficiência - percepção tardia do evento imprevisto e existência de mais impacto - associa-se, porém, à causa externa da incerteza imprevisível, à ausência da percepção de um sinal precoce, à presença de um fator bloqueador à identificação com origem nas características pessoais, baixo número de atividades coletivas, entre outras. Recomenda-se incorporar o diagnóstico da incerteza na gestão de riscos dos projetos, buscar informações sobre as áreas incertas do projeto e interagir para socializar o conhecimento. Futuros estudos ampliados, para se obter um número maior de eventos e projetos, poderão permitir novas associações, assim como gerar um modelo multivariado. O uso de métodos alternativos de gestão de projetos inovadores também se mostra como um relevante tema de pesquisa. / The organizations enable innovations, engines of global development, through the projects. The more innovative a project, the greater is the probability of occurrence of unforeseeable uncertainties. The identification of early signs of a change would realize this kind of uncertainty, but for the early recognition of these early signs is necessary to give sense to them, sensemaking. Thus, this study aims to understand what the main factor that generates the unforeseeable uncertainty is, what the motivating factors for their identification are and what the practices that contribute to the creation of meaning of these uncertainties are on innovative projects. To this end, a field survey has been done, from May to December 2011, with: a questionnaire to obtain initial information about the projects that could be considered innovative, and subsequently an in-depth interview, guided by a script with open questions, with one of the project participants. 152 invitations were sent to project managers, of which only 16 projects met the requirements, becoming a unit of analysis. Each of these units was also requested at least two unforeseen events, materialization of unforeseeable uncertainty, thus obtaining 35 unanticipated events, which are considered the unit of analysis embedded. Data analysis was qualitative, the generation of categories and variables were evaluated statistically through non-parametric tests. Based on the analysis performed it was observed that the highest level of efficiency in identifying unforeseeable uncertainty - it was notice in advance and it had less impact - occurred preferentially when events have had the perception of early sign made by the project manager or the sponsor at the beginning of the project, with the existence of an organizational facilitator factor, and using a collective sensemaking process. Moreover, the lowest level of efficiency - late perception of the unforeseeable event and existence of more impact - were associated with the external cause of unforeseeable uncertainty, the lack of perception of an early signal, the presence of a blocking factor identification originated from the personal characteristics, low number of collective activities, among others. It is recommended to incorporate the diagnosis of unforseeable in risk management of projects, seeking information about the uncertain areas of the project and interacting to share the knowledge. Further studies extended to obtain a larger number of events and projects may allow new associations as well as generate a multivariate statistical model. The use of alternative methods of management of innovative projects to identify unforeseeable uncertainty also appears as a relevant research topic.

<p>It is visible in the innovation literature the tendency to evolve the innovation process into a moreopen and flexible model where innovators of all types can interact freely. This fairly recentparadigm known as Open Innovation is a phenomenon with still a considerable amount of opengaps and challenges. Therefore the question of how integration is achieved between differenttypes of outside innovators remains unanswered. Many organizations, some in more extent thanothers, are already applying Open Innovation within networks; however there is still not a clearunderstanding or a formal theory that describes the mechanisms that can help integrate theinnovation activities with other actors. To address this challenge, we conducted an exploratorystudy in 7 different organizations representing two types of innovators (private firms andacademic institutions) and a nexus agency that acts as an integrator between them. The first partof the results consist of an extensive list of 27 integration mechanisms applicable in openinnovation projects later categorized in 5 new main categories for their practical study anddiscussion. More abstractly, as relationships between these integration mechanisms and interorganizationalnetworks have not been analyzed yet, we want to propose a framework that canprovide an initial notion of their role and interaction in Open Innovation Projects. Thisframework is valuable to consider the applicability of the proposed integration mechanismscategories in different OI settings and supports the understanding of how the harmonization ofOI efforts occurs with different types of innovators. Having a framework of this typeconsiderably extends the understanding of integration in the Open Innovation field and providesas well a guide for organizations to identify how to integrate open innovation efforts.</p>

It is visible in the innovation literature the tendency to evolve the innovation process into a moreopen and flexible model where innovators of all types can interact freely. This fairly recentparadigm known as Open Innovation is a phenomenon with still a considerable amount of opengaps and challenges. Therefore the question of how integration is achieved between differenttypes of outside innovators remains unanswered. Many organizations, some in more extent thanothers, are already applying Open Innovation within networks; however there is still not a clearunderstanding or a formal theory that describes the mechanisms that can help integrate theinnovation activities with other actors. To address this challenge, we conducted an exploratorystudy in 7 different organizations representing two types of innovators (private firms andacademic institutions) and a nexus agency that acts as an integrator between them. The first partof the results consist of an extensive list of 27 integration mechanisms applicable in openinnovation projects later categorized in 5 new main categories for their practical study anddiscussion. More abstractly, as relationships between these integration mechanisms and interorganizationalnetworks have not been analyzed yet, we want to propose a framework that canprovide an initial notion of their role and interaction in Open Innovation Projects. Thisframework is valuable to consider the applicability of the proposed integration mechanismscategories in different OI settings and supports the understanding of how the harmonization ofOI efforts occurs with different types of innovators. Having a framework of this typeconsiderably extends the understanding of integration in the Open Innovation field and providesas well a guide for organizations to identify how to integrate open innovation efforts.