Skip to Main Content
HBS Home
  • About
  • Academic Programs
  • Alumni
  • Faculty & Research
  • Baker Library
  • Giving
  • Harvard Business Review
  • Initiatives
  • News
  • Recruit
  • Map / Directions
Faculty & Research
  • Faculty
  • Research
  • Featured Topics
  • Academic Units
  • …→
  • Harvard Business School→
  • Faculty & Research→
Publications
Publications
  • July 2018
  • Case
  • HBS Case Collection

Leading Open Innovation at BT

By: Amy C. Edmondson, Jean-François Harvey and Johnathan R. Cromwell
  • Format:Print
  • | Language:English
  • | Pages:14
ShareBar

Abstract

This case focuses on the genesis and development of the open innovation unit at BT, the strategic value of the unit, and its operating model. As the business environment becomes increasingly dynamic and firms are pressured to achieve faster innovation rates, there may be accompanying shifts in the way they pursue innovation. This case illustrates the challenges that this poses to large corporations as well as the key activities the open innovation unit engages in to deal with them. In particular, it must manage relationships with various stakeholders to leverage the value of matching external ideas and technologies with internal resources and capabilities. The case poses the question: Should the open innovation unit fully incubate some ideas, instead of always seeking partnership with commitment from a customer-facing unit?

Keywords

Collaboration; Open Innovation; Inter-organizational Relationships; Organizational Culture; Collaborative Innovation and Invention; Innovation and Management; Information Technology Industry; Technology Industry; United Kingdom; United States

Citation

Edmondson, Amy C., Jean-François Harvey, and Johnathan R. Cromwell. "Leading Open Innovation at BT." Harvard Business School Case 619-013, July 2018.
  • Educators
  • Purchase

About The Author

Amy C. Edmondson

Technology and Operations Management
→More Publications

More from the Authors

    • May 2025
    • Faculty Research

    Responsive Working at PepsiCo UK (B)

    By: Amy C. Edmondson and Nancy Boghossian Staples
    • May 2025
    • Faculty Research

    Responsive Working at PepsiCo UK (C)

    By: Amy C. Edmondson and Nancy Boghossian Staples
    • May–June 2025
    • Harvard Business Review

    What People Get Wrong About Psychological Safety

    By: Amy C. Edmondson and Michaela J. Kerrissey
More from the Authors
  • Responsive Working at PepsiCo UK (B) By: Amy C. Edmondson and Nancy Boghossian Staples
  • Responsive Working at PepsiCo UK (C) By: Amy C. Edmondson and Nancy Boghossian Staples
  • What People Get Wrong About Psychological Safety By: Amy C. Edmondson and Michaela J. Kerrissey
ǁ
Campus Map
Harvard Business School
Soldiers Field
Boston, MA 02163
→Map & Directions
→More Contact Information
  • Make a Gift
  • Site Map
  • Jobs
  • Harvard University
  • Trademarks
  • Policies
  • Accessibility
  • Digital Accessibility
Copyright © President & Fellows of Harvard College.