Thinking about new ways to grow your business? You’re not alone. A lot of companies are looking outside their own walls for fresh ideas. It’s called open innovation, and it’s basically about working with others to come up with cool new stuff. We’ve gathered some open innovation examples for companies that have done just that, hoping it sparks some inspiration for you. It’s not always about reinventing the wheel; sometimes, it’s about finding a better way to build it, or even a whole new vehicle.

Key Takeaways

• Companies can find new revenue streams by developing ideas outside their main business, sometimes creating separate partner businesses.
• Involving customers in product creation early on helps make sure the final product is what people actually want.
• Working with others can lower costs and speed up how quickly new products get made, sharing the risks for everyone involved.
• Open innovation can help companies connect with new talent and get access to different technologies they might not have on their own.
• Using external challenges or platforms can bring in a wide range of solutions to specific problems a company is facing.

1. Quirky

Quirky was a really interesting platform that tried to bring inventors and consumers together to create products. The whole idea was pretty neat: you could submit a product idea, and then the Quirky community, made up of people with all sorts of skills, could jump in, offer feedback, and even help develop it further. It was basically a crowdsourcing model for physical products.

Think about it – you didn’t need a factory or a huge pile of cash to get your idea off the ground. If your idea got enough attention and was chosen by Quirky, they’d handle the manufacturing and selling. You could even earn money from it, maybe even royalties if it was your original concept. It really showed how you could get people involved in creating things without them necessarily being employees. It was a way to tap into a lot of different talents and get products made that people actually wanted.

Here’s a quick look at how it worked:

• Idea Submission: Anyone could put their product idea on the platform.
• Community Collaboration: Other users would comment, refine, and help develop the idea.
• Selection & Manufacturing: Quirky would pick the best ideas for production.
• Sales & Royalties: Products were sold, and creators could earn money.

It was a cool experiment in community-driven product development. While Quirky itself faced challenges and eventually closed its doors, the concept of bringing many minds together to build something new is still super relevant for companies looking for fresh ideas. It’s a good reminder that sometimes the best innovations come from outside your own four walls, and there are tools and platforms that can help you find them. Exploring different open innovation software solutions might give you some ideas on how to manage such collaborations today.

2. Facebook

Facebook, now Meta, has a pretty interesting approach to internal open innovation, mainly through its famous hackathons. These aren’t just for the coding wizards; they open the doors to everyone in the company. The whole idea is to step away from your usual tasks and just create something new, something different. It’s a way to get people thinking outside their normal job descriptions and see what cool stuff they can come up with.

These events are a breeding ground for some of Facebook’s most recognizable features. Think about the ‘like’ button, the live chat, or even the Facebook timeline – many of these started as ideas cooked up during a hackathon. Even the popular pride flag profile picture feature from 2015, which let people show support for the LGBTQ community, was born from two interns during one of these events. It really shows that a great idea can come from anyone, no matter their role.

Here’s a quick look at how these hackathons work:

• Cross-departmental collaboration: Employees from different teams, like marketing and engineering, get to work together.
• Idea generation: Participants brainstorm and build early versions of new product ideas.
• Skill exploration: People can work on projects outside their usual day-to-day responsibilities.
• Potential for new features: Successful ideas can be developed further and rolled out to all users.

It’s a smart way to tap into the collective creativity of the entire workforce. By giving employees the space and freedom to experiment, Facebook can discover innovative solutions that might not have emerged through traditional development channels. This internal approach to open innovation really highlights how a company can build new products and features by looking inward first.

3. GE

General Electric, or GE as most people know it, has a long history of shaking things up. Founded way back in 1892, they’ve been behind some pretty big leaps, like the first radio corporation and major advances in electric motors and lighting. Think about how much those things changed daily life! They really helped build the modern world we live in.

GE uses open innovation in a few cool ways. One big thing they do is run these challenges, often aimed at students and young professionals. It’s a smart move because they get fresh ideas, and it also helps them spot talented people who might be a good fit for the company. It’s like a talent search combined with an innovation sprint. For example, their ‘Unimpossible Missions: The University Edition’ challenge is specifically designed to find creative students with technical skills, offering them a chance for an internship. This approach lets them see potential in ways a regular interview just can’t.

Open innovation challenges can be a fantastic way to connect with up-and-coming talent. They offer a broader view of what young professionals can do compared to traditional hiring methods.

These challenges aren’t just about finding the next big invention; they’re also about building GE’s reputation as a place that values new thinking. It’s a win-win: GE gets innovative input, and bright minds get exposure and opportunities. They’ve also been involved in advanced manufacturing, like at their turbine nozzle facility in Singapore, showing a commitment to operational excellence. This kind of forward-thinking approach is what keeps a company like GE relevant and growing.

4. Philips

Philips has been playing the open innovation game for a while now, really getting into it back in 1998. They kicked things off by opening up their R&D world, which eventually became the High Tech Campus Eindhoven. Think of it as a mini Silicon Valley right in Europe. This campus isn’t just for Philips; it’s a hub where over 200 companies, researchers, and entrepreneurs from all over the globe come together. They’re all focused on tackling some pretty big real-world issues, like healthcare challenges and climate change.

The core idea is that by creating a physical space where people can easily connect and collaborate, innovation happens faster. It’s about more than just sharing ideas; it’s about building relationships. Imagine bumping into someone from another company during a coffee break and sparking a new project. That’s the kind of environment they’ve cultivated.

Philips also looks inward, encouraging its own employees to think outside the box. They’ve developed specific approaches, like using a stage-gate platform, to manage their innovation process more effectively. This helps them keep a steady flow of new ideas coming, whether they originate internally or through their external partnerships. It’s a multi-pronged strategy that keeps them adaptable and ahead of the curve in a fast-changing tech landscape. They’ve even set up an Open Innovation Lab to speed up the development of medical imaging tech.

Creating and being present in spaces where there is a possibility to collaborate together is great for open innovation. Nothing builds collaborative and trusting relationships between companies and research groups like the possibility to visit one another casually on your coffee breaks to talk about what you’ve just been working on.

5. Samsung

Samsung is a big name, and they’ve figured out that not all the best ideas come from inside their own walls. They’ve really embraced open innovation, especially when it comes to working with startups. What’s cool about Samsung is how they break down their open innovation efforts into four main categories. It’s like they have four different ways to bring outside ideas into the company.

These four categories are:

• Partnerships: This is where Samsung teams up with other companies, often startups, to create new features or integrate their tech into Samsung’s existing products. Think of it as a collaboration to make something better together.
• Ventures: Here, Samsung invests in early-stage startups. It’s not just about making money if the startup does well; it’s also about getting access to new technologies that Samsung can learn from and use. They’ve put money into companies working on things like mobile payments.
• Accelerators: Samsung provides startups with a place to work, some initial funding, and access to their resources. The goal is for these startups to develop products that could eventually become part of Samsung’s own lineup or at least provide valuable learning experiences for the company.
• Acquisitions: When Samsung finds a startup working on something really cutting-edge that fits their future plans, they might buy it. This is a quick way to bring in new talent and technology. Sometimes, these acquired companies even continue to operate somewhat independently, like SmartThings, which is now a key part of Samsung’s IoT strategy.

This multi-pronged approach allows Samsung to tap into a wide range of innovations at different stages of development. It shows they understand that different types of companies, at different points in their growth, offer unique opportunities. By having these distinct methods, Samsung can pick the best way to work with each external idea or company, whether it’s a small investment or a full buyout. It’s a smart way to keep their product line fresh and stay ahead in the tech game. For smaller businesses looking to grow, understanding how larger companies like Samsung approach external collaboration can offer insights into potential partnership opportunities.

6. LEGO

LEGO has really figured out how to get people involved in making their products better. It’s not just about them sitting in a room dreaming up new toys; they actually ask the fans! Their whole approach to open innovation is pretty cool, especially with their platform called LEGO Ideas.

Basically, anyone can submit an idea for a new LEGO set. If an idea gets enough support – we’re talking 10,000 votes – LEGO takes a serious look at it. If it passes their review, they might actually turn it into a real product. The person who came up with the idea then gets a cut of the sales, which is a neat way to reward creativity. This is how we got sets like The Big Bang Theory and Ghostbusters. It’s a smart way to tap into a massive pool of creativity that they wouldn’t have access to otherwise.

Here’s a quick look at how it works:

• Idea Submission: Fans upload their designs and concepts.
• Community Support: The idea needs to gather 10,000 votes from other users.
• LEGO Review: The LEGO team evaluates the idea for feasibility and brand fit.
• Production: If approved, the set is manufactured and sold, with royalties going to the original creator.

They also partnered with places like MIT Media Lab for things like LEGO Mindstorms, which started as an educational tool but ended up being popular with everyone. They even opened up the software for it later on, letting people tinker and create even more. It shows they’re willing to adapt and see where external input can take them.

This whole strategy isn’t just about getting new product ideas; it’s about building a stronger connection with their customers and making sure their products are something people actually want. It’s a win-win situation where fans get to see their ideas come to life, and LEGO gets innovative products that are already proven to have an audience. It’s a great example of how companies can use external creativity to grow.

7. Unilever

Unilever, a giant in the consumer goods world, really knows how to tap into outside ideas to keep things fresh. They’re not just sitting in their own labs; they’re actively looking for new solutions and partnerships. This approach helps them stay ahead in a market that’s always changing.

They’ve built a reputation for driving growth through smart innovation and strong relationships with retailers. It’s all about making products people want and need, and doing it on a large scale. This focus on collaboration means they can bring new ideas to life more effectively.

Here’s a look at how they approach it:

• Seeking External Solutions: Unilever often looks for existing technologies or solutions from smaller companies or startups that can be integrated into its own product lines. This saves time and resources compared to developing everything from scratch.
• Partnership Programs: They have various programs designed to work with external innovators, offering resources and support to help develop promising ideas. This creates a win-win situation where partners get access to Unilever’s market reach.
• Consumer-Centric Development: A big part of their strategy involves listening to what consumers actually want. They use market insights and direct feedback to guide their product development, making sure they’re meeting real needs.

By opening up their innovation process, Unilever gets a wider range of ideas and can adapt more quickly to what’s happening in the market. It’s a smart way to keep their product portfolio strong and relevant.

This open approach is a big reason why Unilever US has emerged as a global growth leader. They understand that great ideas can come from anywhere, and they’ve created a system to find and use them.

8. AT&T

AT&T, a giant in the telecommunications world, has been actively exploring open innovation, especially as the landscape of mobile networks shifts. They’re not just sitting back and watching; they’re getting involved in shaping the future.

One really interesting area they’ve been pushing is around Open RAN (radio access network). Think of it as a more flexible way to build out the infrastructure that powers our mobile calls and internet. Instead of relying on one vendor for everything, Open RAN allows different companies to contribute their specialized parts, which can lead to more innovation and potentially better services.

AT&T is actively collaborating with partners to develop and test new technologies within these open frameworks. For instance, they’ve been part of efforts to use generative AI to create new network functions. This isn’t just theoretical; they’ve actually deployed AI-created network applications in their test environments. It shows a real commitment to seeing what new tech can do.

Here’s a look at some of the ways they’re approaching this:

• Exploring new network architectures: Moving towards more open and flexible systems like Open RAN.
• Partnering on AI development: Working with others to create and test AI-driven network solutions.
• Testing cutting-edge tech: Actively deploying and evaluating new technologies in real-world (though controlled) settings.
• Focusing on automation: Using innovation to make network management smarter and more efficient.

The push towards open innovation in telecommunications, particularly with technologies like Open RAN, is all about breaking down traditional barriers. It allows for a more diverse ecosystem of developers and companies to contribute, potentially speeding up the pace of technological advancement and offering more choices to consumers and businesses alike.

This kind of forward-thinking approach is key for a company like AT&T, which needs to stay ahead in a rapidly changing tech world. By embracing collaboration and new ideas, they’re positioning themselves to adapt and grow.

9. Liberty Mutual

Liberty Mutual, a big name in insurance, is really leaning into open innovation to stay ahead. They know that the insurance world is always changing, and they can’t just sit back and wait for new ideas to come to them. So, they’ve set up some cool initiatives to get outside perspectives.

One of their main plays is Solara Labs, which is basically an innovation incubator. Think of it as a place where they can build and test new products and services, often based on what’s happening in the market and what customers are actually asking for. It’s not just about tweaking what they already do; it’s about exploring entirely new ways to serve people. They’ve even partnered with places like WeWork to create these hubs, which is a pretty neat way to get a different vibe and access to new talent.

They also have Liberty Mutual Strategic Ventures, which is more about making smart investments in other companies that are doing interesting things. This way, they can get a piece of innovation happening elsewhere and learn from it. It’s a two-way street – they get new ideas, and the companies they invest in get support.

Liberty Mutual understands that the future of insurance isn’t just about policies; it’s about using new tech and ideas to make things better for customers and the company alike. They’re actively looking for ways to improve everything from how claims are handled to how people interact with their insurance.

Here’s a quick look at how they approach it:

• Solara Labs: An internal incubator for testing new product ideas.
• Strategic Ventures: Investing in external startups and companies with innovative solutions.
• Partnerships: Collaborating with other organizations to access new technologies and talent.
• Customer Focus: Basing innovation efforts on real customer needs and market trends.

It’s a smart way to keep things fresh and make sure they’re not missing out on opportunities. They’re not afraid to look outside their own walls for inspiration, which is a big part of what makes open innovation work so well for them. You can read more about their purpose and impact report to get a better sense of their direction.

10. UNDP

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a big player when it comes to using open innovation for global good. They’re all about bringing people together, investing in ideas, and making things happen on a worldwide scale. Think about how the pandemic really pushed everyone to find new solutions, right? The UNDP was right there, connecting health pros with government folks to create robots that could help screen people for COVID-19 and even deliver medicine in places like Rwanda. It’s a pretty neat way to tackle big problems.

One of their initiatives involved an Open Innovation Challenge. They were looking for someone to build a simple, affordable toolkit. The goal? To let people measure and track environmental stuff on their own. This really opens up access to technology that might otherwise be out of reach for many. It’s about empowering individuals with the tools they need to understand and monitor their surroundings.

The UNDP’s approach shows how global organizations can use open innovation not just for immediate problem-solving, but also for long-term capacity building. By sharing challenges and seeking external solutions, they tap into a wider pool of creativity and expertise than they could ever manage internally. This collaborative spirit is key to addressing complex global issues.

They’ve also used platforms to connect with innovators, looking for ways to improve development efforts. It’s a smart way to get fresh perspectives and find practical solutions that can make a real difference. This kind of collaboration is what drives progress in so many areas.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global organization working to help countries end poverty and achieve sustainable economic growth. They focus on empowering people and building resilient nations. Their work spans many areas, aiming to improve lives and protect the planet for future generations. Learn more about their impactful projects and how you can get involved.

Wrapping Up: Open Innovation for Your Business

We’ve looked at a bunch of ways companies are using open innovation to get ahead. You don’t have to have all the answers locked away inside your own walls. Whether it’s tapping into what customers want, teaming up with startups, or even just listening to your own employees, there are tons of opportunities out there. Thinking outside the box, or rather, outside your company’s box, can really help you find new ideas, cut down on costs, and maybe even create whole new ways to make money. It’s not always easy, but the companies we’ve seen are proof that it’s worth exploring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is open innovation?

Open innovation is like teamwork for companies. Instead of keeping all ideas and inventions a secret inside the company, businesses open their doors to ideas from outside. This can be from customers, other companies, or even individuals. It’s about working together to create new and better things.

Why do companies use open innovation?

Companies use open innovation to get fresh ideas and solve problems faster. Sometimes, an idea might not fit the company’s main business, but it could become a whole new successful product or service. It’s also a great way to find talented people and reduce the cost and time it takes to develop new products.

Can you give an example of a company using open innovation?

Think about LEGO. They let people mess with their software for LEGO motors. At first, it was a bit wild, but LEGO saw that people were creating cool new things. So, they opened up the software so anyone could change it. This led to new ways to use their products and even helped teach kids about robotics.

How does open innovation help smaller companies or startups?

Startups often have great ideas but lack money or resources. Open innovation lets them team up with bigger companies that have those resources. This helps their ideas develop and reach more people, while the bigger company gains access to innovations. It’s a win-win!

What’s the difference between open innovation and just asking customers for feedback?

Asking customers for feedback is part of open innovation, but it goes further. Open innovation involves customers, and sometimes even competitors or researchers, in the actual creation and development process. It’s like inviting them to help build the product, not just tell you what they think of it.

Are there different ways companies do open innovation?

Some companies hold ‘innovation challenges’ where people compete to solve a specific problem. Others create special ‘innovation labs’ with outside experts. Some even let the public suggest and create new product variations, like mixing their own drink flavors.