Welcome to the First Issue of WOIC Insights
You’re reading the first edition of WOIC Insights—your bi-monthly update on WOIC 2025, the latest in Open Innovation (OI), and key industry insights—all in one place.
📌 In this issue:
🥇 Honoring the ‘Father of Open Innovation’
📢 Call for Papers: WOIC 2025 in Bilbao
🎧 WOIConversations Are Back!
🎙️ OI Thursdays: Expert Conversations
🗓️ Upcoming OI Monday Seminars
Honoring Henry Chesbrough: A Milestone for Open Innovation
A major milestone for Open Innovation: Professor Henry Chesbrough, the pioneer of OI, will receive an honorary doctorate from Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) on June 24, 2025. Chesbrough’s work has profoundly influenced both academic research and real-world innovation practices.
His insights have been instrumental in shaping the Brainport region in the Netherlands, a globally recognized hub for high-tech innovation, where collaboration between industry, academia, and government fuels economic and technological advancements. His ideas on knowledge flows and open collaboration have transformed how organizations develop new technologies and business models.
This recognition from TU/e highlights the growing importance of OI and its far-reaching impact. The honorary doctorate ceremony will take place during the TU/e Research Day, a key event for the innovation community. We encourage everyone in the WOIC network to join in celebrating this momentous occasion!
For more details, check out the official announcement from TU/e.
Bilbao is Calling! Share Your Research on Open Innovation at WOIC 2025
WOIC 2025 is calling for research! Submit your work to the 12th Annual World Open Innovation Conference happening Nov 4–7 in Bilbao, Spain. Explore how OI can turn uncertainty into opportunity!
We invite submissions of extended abstracts and full papers. This year’s conference will once again bring together scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to explore the latest developments in OI. Like previous editions, WOIC 2025 will provide a platform for insightful discussions, networking opportunities, and collaboration across industries and disciplines.
This year’s theme,“Open Innovation in Times of Uncertainty”, explores how organizations, policymakers, and researchers can leverage open innovation to navigate complexity and co-create solutions in an unpredictable world. We invite academic insights, real-world cases, and forward-thinking discussions on how Open Innovation can foster adaptability and resilience to anticipate disruptions, manage risks, and drive sustainable growth in uncertain times.
Join us at this year’s WOIC, and contribute to the ongoing conversation around open innovation as we ask:
Can open innovation turn uncertainty into opportunity?
As in previous years, selected papers will be considered for a Special Section in California Management Review (CMR), providing an opportunity for high-quality research to reach a broader audience. We will also recognize outstanding contributions through our Best Paper Awards for students and emerging scholars. In addition to the academic program, participants can engage in practical sessions, keynote talks, and an optional local visit to explore innovation in the Bilbao region.
For submission guidelines and details, see the conference website. Also, stay tuned for the Call for Best Practice!
We look forward to your contributions and to another exciting edition of WOIC!
WOIConversations Are Back!
We’re thrilled to relaunch WOIConversations, the official podcast of the World Open Innovation Community! After a short hiatus, the series returns with new voices, deeper insights, and a renewed commitment to bridging theory and practice.
In this kickoff episode, Marcel Bogers and Marisol Menendez join Salar Alizad Poursaeidi, a PhD researcher in open innovation, to share why the podcast is back and how it complements other initiatives like OI Thursdays and the Berkeley OI Monday Seminars.
🎙️ What to expect in Season 2:
Medium-form conversations (~45 min) that strike a balance between depth and easy listening, exploring a variety of open innovation topics.
A dynamic mix of guests from academia and practice
A focus on bridging knowledge, sharing stories, and fostering connection
Whether you’re an OI scholar, practitioner, or just curious, this podcast is your space to tune in, learn, and connect.
▶️ Subscribe & Listen to Episode 1 on your favourite podcast platform:
Youtube | Apple | Spotify
Got a topic in mind or someone we should feature? Reach out to Salar —we're building this together with the community.
OI Thursdays: Bite-Sized Insights from Open Innovation Experts
Curious about the latest thinking in OI? Tune into OI Thursdays, where our colleague Marisol Menendez hosts engaging 15-minute conversations with the authors of The Oxford Handbook of Open Innovation. Marisol is an expert in Open Innovation, Ecosystem Orchestration, Fintech, and Digital Transformation, with over 25 years of experience. Each week, she dives into a new chapter, bringing you fresh perspectives on collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and how OI tackles today’s grand challenges.
Recently, Marisol explored Chapter 34 of the handbook, discussing how OI principles can help address climate change, social inequities, and other global challenges. She also kicked off Section VII: Open Innovation and Theory on February 28th, covering Chapter 35, which examines how socio-technical systems, collective intelligence, and governance shape successful open innovation.
With more chapters to come—including insights from thought leaders like Nicolai J. Foss, Christopher Tucci, and David Teece—there’s plenty to look forward to! Don’t miss out—catch up on past episodes and follow along for new ones.
Get Involved: Upcoming OI Monday Seminars
The Berkeley OI Monday Seminars are back after Winter Break! This Spring 2025 series offers a unique opportunity to engage with global experts in OI, exploring the latest research and real-world applications in a dynamic online setting. The series kicked off with an inspiring session featuring Professor Henry Chesbrough on the Geopolitics of Innovation and Nikola Tosic, who shared his extensive experience in making OI happen.
Each semester, these seminars serve as a source of fresh insights and collaboration for scholars and practitioners alike. This year, the organizers are inviting the community to help shape the lineup—who would you like to see presenting innovation research or practice? Let us know!
Don’t miss out on this chance to be part of the conversation. Sign up by emailing Mehdi Montakhabi at mehdi.montakhabi@berkeley.edu.
Thanks for reading WOIC Insights.
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