Background and Objective of the Study
This latest published research paper in the scientific magazine Voluntas by Felix Wemmer and Prof. Dr Jörg Königstorfer investigates open innovation, that is, the use of purposive inflows and outflows of knowledge in order to introduce innovation. The study develops a framework that describes open innovation activities in nonprofit sports clubs as facets of four superordinate dimensions.
Design and Results of the Study
The study is based on the content analysis of semi-structured interviews held with representatives of eleven sports clubs in the Bavarian region. The four superordinate dimensions underlaying the open innovation concept, namely permeability of the club’s boundary, application and implementation of open innovation practices, adequate managerial competencies, and the environmental and organizational surroundings in which the club operates. Within these dimensions, subordinate facets such as commitment of the club’s president and the strategic use of coopetitive environments explain how and why sports clubs are successful at implementing innovations and how their nonprofit status (e.g., volunteer work) contributes to (or is in conflict with) innovation.
Implications
The findings provide implications for nonprofit organizations inside and outside the sports sector. If clubs provide permeability, implement open innovation practices, and attract volunteers with managerial competencies, then the likelihood to innovate by combining external with internal knowledge should increase. With this conceptual framework, we hope to contribute to this lively field of research and aim to help these organizations increase new service creation and adoption.
Contact
Chair of Sport & Health Management
Prof. Dr. Jörg Königstorfer
Secretary: Mirjam Eggers
Uptown München Campus D
Georg-Brauchle-Ring 60/62
80992 Munich
Phone: +49.89.289.24559
Fax +49.89.289.24642
info.mgt@sg.tum.de