Unbundling Hackathon Orchestration Mechanisms: Relational Brokering, Contextual Configuring, and Legitimacy Building

ABSTRACT This study explores the orchestration of hackathons targeting the creation of new ideas and innovation. We employed a qualitative case study approach with data collected from hackathon organizers, partners, and solvers at multiple events organized by Ultrahack, a Finnish hackathon organizer. We initially conceptualized hackathon orchestration as a form of coordination that requires brokering in social networks. Building on this background, we empirically identify three types of orchestration mechanisms: orchestration as relational brokering, orchestration as contextual configuring, and orchestration as legitimacy building. We analyse how these mechanisms contribute to the benefits perceived by hackathon solvers and partners. Our study contributes to the academic discourse on orchestration mechanisms in hackathons and offers insights for practitioners managing hackathons and innovation contests, especially from the point of view of third‐party orchestrators.