What’s the book about
Paul Sloane has compiled a selection of articles and essays on Open Innovation (OI) from leading academics, consultants and innovators. Wrapping the collection is a forward by Henry Chesburgh (the father of OI), an introduction from Paul and at the end a well compiled index for refrencing. As you read through the book it grows in complexity; taking you from “What is Open Innovation” in the first chapter, right through to chapter eighteen on “Managing legal and IP issues”.
Who is it for
If you are considering OI or crowd sourcing then this book is definitely for you. Those who are already practising OI would probably find some of the content too basic although it may be a good reference point to reflect on different ideas. Certainly the book will appeal to managers in competitive environments who appreciate the need for co-development and idea creation to stay ahead of the trend.
What’s good
Reading the book is like attending a seminar on OI and crowd sourcing from the world’s foremost experts on the subject. The constant change of author brings out new approaches and ideas that will inspire your own OI journey.
What could be better
Repetition is an issue as each author remakes the case for Open Innovation. It may have been better to actually bring together the articles and points into a single, coherent guide to OI and crowd sourcing. This would have improved the flow of the book and taken the reader on a journey of how to implement it. Each article could also benefit from closing with three takeaway points for the reader.
Evidence is also lacking in sections of the book. Authors assert their point of view but only a few point to empirical research or case studies that support them.
Rating 4/5
+ Plus points for the content and index
– Negative points for the lack of structure and integration
Amazon UK link: A guide to open innovation and crowd sourcing
Review by David Sealey, www.thesealeys.co.uk