Open innovation integration to product development: a sector level analysis within the manufacturing industry

Brasil *rafaelortegamarin@gmail.com Abstract Paper aims : the purpose of this study is to analyze how Open Innovation (OI) activities occur in Product Development Processes (PDP) and in the design of new products. Originality : the study is based on a self-developed and conducted survey, applied to engineers and managers working in departments involving product development and innovation among the Brazilian automakers. Research method: the method adopted is that of a questionnaire-based survey. Results are analyzed through a principal component analysis, followed by ordinary least squares regressions, in order to test the hypotheses proposed. Main findings : results suggest that inbound practices were more present than outbound practices, with a strong presence of the supplier in the design process (and not so much of a user-centered approach). Correlation between an organizational culture that favors OI and adoption to newer PDP methods and tools indicate that adopting newer product development methodologies and technologies could lead to a more “open” design process. Implications for theory and practice: the research provides an overview of open innovation within the Brazilian automakers, and reports what could be opportunities for the automotive industry to