Updating the Open Innovation Concept Based on Ecosystem Approach: Regional Aspects

ABSTRACT: The intensification of innovation processes in Russia is a challenging task that requires a continuous search for solutions to make possible the many required changes in economics. We consider the major factors needed to advance an innovative activity at all levels in the national economy to have a freely exchanged flow of innovative ideas between all actors involved. As practice shows, the currently existing models in the country to deal with open innovations are mostly based on a cluster development approach, which is still limited. The authors propose synergizing the cluster approach with an ecosystem innovation model, which should ensure an effective collaboration and an accelerated rate for the diffusion of innovations between various actors while involving various regions. The purpose of the study was to develop a conceptual model for implementing open proposals from participants in the innovation economy. The research methodology is based on numerous works in the field of open innovation theory, cluster and ecosystem approaches. The study utilizes empirical and dialectical methods of scientific knowledge. The methodological toolkit covers information processing with historical analysis, a literature review using the Russian Citation Index and Scopus databases, analysis and diagnostics of innovative activity in domestic regions, the comparison method, modeling and correlation analysis. We concluded that the interaction of participants in the Russian regions through implementing the cluster model is not sufficiently effective and requires the development of new methodological approaches. Therefore, we propose combining the cluster approach with the ecosystem innovation model, which should ensure an effective cooperation and accelerate the rate of innovation dissemination among various subjects involving several regions. To determine the approach’s efficiency, the proposed concept should be tested in one or more regions.