Matching Technology Needs and Seeds with Open Innovation:

A Case Study of New Micro Electro Mechanical Systems Business Creation Through Industry–Academia Collaboration

Abstract

This study aims to clarify how companies acquire technological seeds from outside the company for new business creation and match them to the technological needs of open innovation. Open innovation is an important concept for companies intending to create new businesses. Furthermore, the importance of industry–academia collaboration with universities possessing advanced technology is increasing. Therefore, this study examines the process by which companies disclose their technological needs necessary for commercialization to universities, jointly research about the technology seeds and acquire those suitable for their needs, and create new businesses. A case analysis of Nippon Signal’s micro electro mechanical systems-based 3D distance measurement image sensor commercialization revealed that after outbound technology needs were conveyed to companies, compatibility with the companies’ technology needs was established through the chain creation of new technology seeds in university laboratories, followed by their inbound to companies.