Open Innovation Channels : A multiple case-study: How MNCs select their Open Innovation Channels and the reason for selecting them

Sammanfattning: In today competitive business environment MNCs need to extend their R&D and include external sources to explore and exploit knowledge; Open Innovation is used to meet this increased competitive environment. The aim of this thesis is to explore how MNCs act when they select their external collaboration channels; why MNCs select a specific channel of innovation and problems associated with the work. The conclusion of this thesis could help MNCs and their managers regarding the choice of Open Innovation channels. This thesis also studies different Open Innovation channels and when companies work with several channels together.   A qualitative multiple-case study was conducted to explore how seven MNCs act when they select which external channel to collaborate with to increase their innovation capacity. An MNCs´ Open Innovation channel selection process is formed by the innovation needed, the innovation needed tend to form which channel to collaborate with, for example the timeframe perspective; when MNCs are focusing on long-term development of products they collaborate with universities. Further, if an MNC wants to develop an already existing technique, they choose to collaborate with suppliers, as they are familiar with the product. All companies use their already existing network as a channel to gain external innovation and new ideas.