Examining the impact of crowdsourcing and open innovation from the emerging country perspective

Purpose This study examines the impact of crowdsourcing and open innovation (CSOI) in an emerging country like India. The study also investigates the moderating effects of technology support (TES) on improving firm performance and socio-economic conditions (SEC) in emerging countries. Design/methodology/approach A theoretical model has been developed with the help of stakeholder theory, dynamic capability view (DCV) and existing literature. Later, the theoretical model is validated using the partial least squares structural equation modelling technique to analyse 303 respondents from India. Findings The results of this study demonstrate that CSOI has a significant and positive role in the SEC in emerging countries, showing the emergence of an economy close to stakeholder capitalism or the Francesco Pope one. The study also finds that TES significantly moderates successful crowdsourcing practices and open innovation activities, influencing sustainability-related factors. Practical implications This study shows that CSOI practices can influence the SECs in emerging countries by improving intermediate sustainability-related contextual issues like environmental, social and economic factors. This implies that CSOI are relevant in emerging countries to ensure the socio-economic growth of the society where so many constraints prevail. Originality/value This is a preliminary study on CSOI practices that firms in emerging countries follow. Using stakeholder theory and DCV to develop the unique conceptual model is essential to the body of knowledge. The inclusion of moderators like TES is a unique value proposition. Moreover, the proposed theoretical model has a high predictive power, making the model impactful and novel.