Open Innovation and Corporate Innovation Hubs: exploratory analysis

The study investigates the emergence and characteristics of Corporate Innovation Hubs (CIHs) in Italy. Despite their growing prevalence and importance in driving innovation, significant gaps remain in the literature regarding their distinctive features, operational dynamics, and impacts. Anchored in the Open Innovation (OI) framework—which emphasizes collaboration and knowledge exchange— this pilot studies these gaps by analyzing selected Italian CIHs through a mixed-methods approach.The research included a desk analysis to map Italian CIHs and three semi-structured interviews to explore their structures, activities, and challenges. The findings reveal that there is no single, universal approach to adopting OI. Instead, companies leverage CIHs in diverse ways, with varying strategies and objectives, positioning these hubs as flexible catalysts for innovation tailored to their specific needs.