Improving the Kosovo Innovation Ecosystem: Exploration before Exploitation

Open innovation enables the circulation of knowledge among businesses in an innovation ecosystem and facilitates the innovation processes. However, there are many businesses operating in the innovation ecosystem in Kosovo that are not yet familiar with the mechanism of innovative linkages consequently they cannot benefit from it. Therefore, the present study tried to provide a clear picture of how to implement open innovation and its requirements and ultimately the benefits of implementing innovation for them by studying the case study of two large and successful companies in implementing open innovation in Kosovo. Findings disclosed investing in research and development is the source of innovation. Innovation is manifested in three categories of technological innovation, market innovation, and product innovation. Findings revealed that companies are required new equipment and skilled workforces to successfully implement innovation. Innovation in organizations results in improving their position in global markets as well as financial benefits.