Open Labs and Innovation Management The Dynamics of Communities and Ecosystems

"Open Labs"(i.e., incubators, makerspaces, fab labs, etc.) have become a major phenomenon of interest in innovation studies, reflecting that they have become massively prevalent over the last decade and a half. However, little is still known about them in terms of the motives and backgrounds of their members, their dynamics and their need for management. Valèrie Mérindol and David Versailles have collected a strong set of papers on open labs that is certain to become a reference in this emerging research space for years to come."

Professor Nicolai J. Foss, Copenhagen Business School, Denmark

 "In this book, reference researchers provide a rigorous, in-depth study of the open lab phenomena. Combining rich empirical material and solid analytical framework integrating multiple dimensions of management science, they show that the promises of open labs will only be fulfilled by relying on rigorous management of the innovation processes and the variety of innovation capacities."

Pascal Le Masson, MINES ParisTech, PSL, France

"Open Labs and Innovation Management edited by Valérie Mérindol and David W. Versailles truly hits a sweet spot. By addressing the crucial role of labs as boundary spaces in a carefully selected series of chapters, this book opens new perspectives for the future of innovation management."

Prof. Dr. Kathrin Moeslein, Friedrich-Alexander-Universitaet Erlangen-Nuernberg, Germany, Former President (2020-2022), European Academy of Management (EURAM)

"In their seminal book on open labs, Valèrie Mérindol, David Versailles, and their colleagues explore the different facets of collaborative innovation, from living labs to fab labs, including the various incubators and their variations. As ecosystem-based innovation becomes increasingly the norm, this important book paves the way for developing best practices for orchestrating such ecosystems."

Catherine Beaudry, Polytechnique Montréal, Canada

"Open Labs and Innovation Management is a must-read for scholars of innovation management as well as for business and policy leaders who seek organizational and management initiatives that can boost the development of the innovation capacity of local communities. In a business world where the only certainty is the acceleration of change and the need for continuous innovation, it is crucial to understand the strategic and operative role the Open Labs can play as knowledge catalysts contributing to the dynamics of innovation ecosystems. Valérie Mérindol and David W. Versailles edited a comprehensive understanding of the structural dimensions and managerial features distinguishing the development of flexible innovation platforms adapting to and supporting the innovative needs of communities and ecosystems. A timely work on an important subject."

Professor Giovanni Schiuma, LUM University and Tampere University