OPEN INNOVATION STRATEGIES OF SMARTPHONE MANUFACTURERS: EXTERNAL RESOURCES AND NETWORK POSITIONS

Abstract

A smartphone is not only a product made up of various integrated components, but also a value-added service. As the smartphone ecosystem has evolved within the value chain of the ICT industry, smartphone manufacturers can benefit from open innovation, such as by making use of external resources and collaboration networks. However, most studies on smartphones have focused on aspects of product innovation, such as functional differentiation, usability, and market penetration rather than on innovation networks. The aim of this study is to examine how the open innovation approaches and strategic fit of smartphone manufacturers function in delivering innovation outcomes and business performance. This research examines the relationship between seven smartphone manufacturers and their collaboration partners during a recent three-year period, by analyzing four specific areas: hardware components, software, content services, and telecommunications.