Open Innovation in the Paper Industry: a multicase study

This study discusses the use of Open Innovation concepts and metrics proposed by Henry Chesbrough in paper industries in southern Brazil. It aimed to understand how external relations occur, from the perspective of open innovation, for the development of product and process innovations. The approach used was qualitative, through multiple case study, with semi-structured interviews, document analysis and direct observation and data analysis through the content analysis method. The results showed that it is common for the paper industries investigated to have a structured process for the development of new products and inputs and for the generation and recognition of internal process innovations proposed by the employees. However, there is little intensity in research and development activities aimed at creating own innovations, and these areas are more dedicated to absorbing ideas from outside the company. Regarding the use of Open Innovation concepts, it was observed that industries perform activities from the outside-in, especially with suppliers, for the development of new row materials and with customers for the development of new products. Relationships with Universities and Centers and Research and other types of partners are poorly realized. No company performs the inside-out form of Open Innovation activities and possibly low internal Research and Development activity, capable of producing ideas for external exploration when not suitable for internal use.