Using big data for co-innovation processes: Mapping the field of data-driven innovation, proposing theoretical developments and providing a research agenda

This is the first systematic literature review concerning the interconnections between big data (BD) and co innovation. It uses BD as a common perspective of analysis as well as a concept aggregating different research streams (open innovation, co-creation and collaborative innovation). The review is based on the results of a bibliographic coupling analysis performed with 51 peer-reviewed papers published before the end of 2019. Three thematic clusters were discovered, which respectively focused on BD as a knowledge creation enabler within co innovation contexts, BD as a driver of co-innovation processes based on customer engagement, and the impact of BD on co-innovation within service ecosystems. The paper theoretically argues that the use of BD, in addition to enhancing intentional and direct collaborative innovation processes, allows the development of passive and unintentional co-innovation that can be implemented through indirect relationships between the collaborative actors. This study also makes eleven unique research propositions concerning further theoretical developments and managerial implementations in the field of BD-driven co-innovation.

Automated summary

This paper is the first systematic literature review on the interconnections between big data and co-innovation. Three thematic clusters were identified, focusing on the role of big data in knowledge creation, driving co-innovation processes through customer engagement, and its impact on co-innovation within service ecosystems. The study also presents eleven research propositions for further theoretical developments and managerial implementations in the field of BD-driven co-innovation.