1. Sustainable innovation
In search for the value added configuration
- Rink Weijs & Niels Faber -
Introduction Framework for configurations
Sustainable innovation goes beyond In search for more value adding
realizing technical solutions. To be configurations, we identified four
effective, knowledge has to be dispersed important dimensions for knowledge
and used to assure maximum benefit. sharing that shape the dynamics of
But to what extend can knowledge knowledge exchange (table 1).
sharing for sustainable innovation be
realized without losing its ownership?
Appropriation
Unique knowledge assets strengthen a
organizations competitive advantage.
Sharing knowledge that has carefully
been developed during costly
innovation processes with third parties
jeopardizes the competitive advantage.
Configurations
Therefore firms tend to protect their Three basic configurations can be
knowledge with Intellectual Property derived based on a continuum from
Rights (IPR). IPR’s like patents, closed to open business models: (1)
copyright, database right and Closed Innovation Model, (2) Open
trademarks provide an appropriation Innovation Model and (3) the Open
regime which main mechanism is Access Model. Each of them have
restricting the availability of knowledge different effects on sustainable
in order to maximize economic benefit. innovation, collaboration and learning.
Innovation paradox
IPR’s provide an incentive to create
knowledge, but protection slows the
diffusion of proprietary knowledge to
public knowledge. Valuable knowledge
for sustainable innovation becomes
‘captured’ as proprietary knowledge and
stops flowing through cultural space
(figure 1).
Knowledge collaboration and learning in sustainable innovation