Modeling the implementation of open innovation in service ecosystems: A framework for shared mobility transformation

Abstract

Shared mobility services – including car-sharing, bike-sharing, and scooter-sharing – have surged in popularity but face persistent challenges. Many providers fail after pilot phases, due not only to technical and managerial issues but also to a reluctance to embrace openness. This paper proposes a comprehensive framework for implementing Open Innovation in service ecosystems, generalizable across sectors, with an illustrative focus on shared mobility. The framework is grounded in open innovation theory and innovation ecosystems literature, integrating platformization and servitization concepts. The article identifies critical stages – from ecosystem readiness to governance – and success factors (technological openness, ecosystem partnerships, user participation, regulatory alignment). By analyzing failures in shared mobility (e.g., Autolib’ and Ofo) and emerging Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) platforms, the article justify the need for an open innovation framework that spans technological, social, institutional, and business model innovation dimensions. This work contributes to open innovation and mobility studies by providing a citable blueprint to foster collaborative innovation in complex service ecosystems.