What Is Open Innovation and Why Does it Matter?A cartoon drawing of a stick figure on top of a pink building looking through a telescope, with other stick figures holding lightbulbs around the base of the building.

Open Innovation Works: Successfully Leveraging Your External Ecosystem for Impactful Change is a hands-on guide for leaders of large organizations ready to move beyond the limitations of internal R&D. As global challenges such as regulatory pressure, supply chain instability, and talent shortages intensify, the need for agile, externally-driven innovation has never been greater. This timely book presents a clear, practical framework for tapping into the power of external ecosystems — working with startups, universities, and industry partners to unlock transformative technologies, services, and business models. Drawing from real-world case studies and cutting-edge research, acclaimed authors Diana Joseph, Dan Toma and Esther Gons break down the complexity of open innovation into actionable strategies that deliver results. Innovation leaders, executives, and policymakers will find essential tools to align teams, choose engagement models, and build impactful partnerships. Enhanced by pedagogically rich visuals and illustrations, Open Innovation Works is an indispensable resource for anyone looking to future-proof their organisation through collaborative innovation.