Is collaboration a fundamental characteristic to achieve innovation? The emergence of Communities of Innovation and the Linux case.

Abstract

Innovation, defined as creation and implementation of new sources of value, affects products,processes,business models and organization structures. Throughout history,there have been examples of talented personalities and geniuses able to reach the effective implementation of a new idea,however these cases seem to be exceptions.Indeed,the true engine of innovation will be proven to be the community. Particularly,a form of communities of practice: the Communities Of Innovation,which are groups of individuals who collaborate to accomplish innovative result. A COI can lead to success more radically and frequently,as in the case of Linux and its powerful dedicated community. Linux is a family of open-source software operating systems that can be edited freely from the virtual community. Created in 1991,the Linux kernel is now employed by the biggest companies in the sector. The creation of new sources of value seems to be more robust,sustainable and fast through collaboration and networking. Collaborative innovation is based on a multi-disciplinary approach,where information and knowledge are shared in a interactions flow characterized by common objectives,sense of belonging,harmony in best practices and a culture based on openness, diversity and inclusiveness.The final goal of this thesis is thus to demonstrate,through the investigation of the related academic theory and the practical case of Linux,how these values and methods are fundamental in the accomplishment of innovation.