Why the New Logics of a Connected World Affect Traditional Innovation Structures from the Bottom Up – and the Role of Open Innovation Networks & Ecosystems in Finding Proper Answers

2016 has brought us new learnings about ecosystem dynamics and the transformation of design thinking and agile development methods. What most of these methods have in common is a divergent and a convergent phase that allows to think boldly and broadly on the one hand, and to recognize priorities and enable speed on the other hand. But industry logics are very different from theoretical settings as there are complex organizational factors at play which encompass diverse cultural and sub-cultural behaviors. The challenge for the young Swarovski Open Innovation Networks approach is to find ways to manage diversified networks of connections which blur boundaries, collaboration, and interdependence, thus characterizing the real logics of modern innovation ecosystems. The tremendous potential that has been recognized and captured from different R&D efforts of big industry players and research institutes through structured Open Innovation efforts - and how this new value may be transformed into the company’s markets - is the central topic of this article.