Who are open innovation managers and what do they do?

A study by Wim Vanhaverbeke, Jim Cheng, and Henry Chesbrough delves deep into the profile of open innovation managers, using a LinkedIn dataset to understand the kind of person that is essential for success in this position. The sample showed that the average age is 43 and tenure at the company is 15 years, with open innovation managers staying in their roles for 84 months or seven years. Although most had an R&D background, others came from marketing, operations, engineering, and project management, indicating a marriage of scientific and technical insights required. Furthermore, open innovation managers carry out diverse tasks like training, mentoring, providing strategic linkages, technology scouting, internal culture and communication, and securing top-management support.