Product innovation logic under the open innovation ecosystem: A case study of Xiaomi (China)

ABSTRACT

Based on an exploratory case study of the famous Chinese Internet company Xiaomi, this research summarises the experience logic of product innovation under the open innovation ecosystem from the perspectives of innovation entities and innovation platforms, and discusses how core companies can be more effective in the open innovation ecosystem to realise product innovation. The research draws the following conclusions from the two aspects of innovation subject diversification and innovation resource platformization: (1) The open innovation ecosystem emphasises the use of open subject joint innovation including core enterprises, users and partners; (2) Under the platform architecture, the allocation of reusable shared resources is conducive to the rapid growth of the product innovation ecosystem. In the process of platforming innovation resources, an open innovation ecosystem of cooperation, symbiosis and common development is gradually formed. This research enriches the theory of open innovation ecosystem and product innovation theory. In addition, Xiaomi’s product innovation development model proves that core companies can take the approach of building an open innovation ecosystem. It provides a powerful example for other companies in product innovation.

KEYWORDS:

• Product innovation
• open innovation ecosystem
• ecological empowerment
• innovation ecology
• case study

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No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

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Notes on contributors

Wu Zhao

Zhao Wu is an associate professor in the School of Economics and Management of Xidian University. His research directions are technological innovation and management, enterprise innovation management, service innovation and management, and sharing economy. He has published high-level papers in many core journals.

Lei Yi

Yi Lei is a graduate student in the School of Economics and Management of Xidian University. Her main research direction is product innovation and management, corporate sustainable development strategy, technological innovation, etc. She has published articles in core journals.