The role of trust in open innovation collaboration: the experience of polish medium-high-tech SMEs

This paper contributes to an emerging debate on open innovation ecosystems and knowledge sharing in the innovation environment, by sharing insights on the role of trust in open innovation collaboration. Systematization of the state of art literature on the innovation networks show that trust is crucial for improving competition among Polish companies, yet its seems to have not an important place in the innovation environment. The main purpose of the research is to determine the role of personal traits, including trust, in the initiation of the potential open innovation collaboration. The study applies the qualitative survey method and shares up-to-date empirical evidence from Polish high- and high-mid-tech small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The study was conducted using the computer-assisted telephone interviewing (CATI) method, in collaboration with the ARC Rynek i Opinia company, from January to April 2021. The study covers 100 SMEs active in advanced technology industries. The results reflect the opinions of middle- to high level managers. The study findings show that there is a need for a deeper understanding of the factors behind trust-embedded open innovation collaboration, and the perception of open innovation as a win-win game for all the partners. Better understanding of these factors will ensure more effective communication in developing an open innovation environment in Polish SMEs. The study findings also indicate the need for an active role of key stakeholders and intermediary agents in facilitating formal and informal networks stimulating mutual trust, as well as the importance to build the educational system enabling the strengthening of the creativity, and the diffusion of innovations.