Knowledge flow in the open innovation model the effects of ICT capacities and open innovation practices on knowledge streams

The open innovation model (OI) allows high-tech firms to enhance internal R&D capabilities by acquiring knowledge from external sources (inward knowledge flow), as well as to maximize earnings by using external paths to market for internally generated knowledge (outward knowledge flow). To accomplish this, firms that adopt the OI model capitalize on a set of OI practices and specific technologies to facilitate the inward and outward knowledge streams. In this study, we argue that the dimensions of OI practices have a direct effect on knowledge flow. Furthermore, by leveraging the media synchronicity theory, we propose that information and communication technology (ICT) capacities moderate the effects of these dimensions. A causal model to explain the relationships between the variables is proposed.