A dynamic framework for sustainable open innovation in the food industry

Purpose This study aims to take a holistic perspective to investigate how open innovation supports sustainability and the contribution to the Unite Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Design/methodology/approach The study is based on an in-depth single case study of Andriani SpA, a leading Italian company in the food industry. The case is built by triangulating data from direct observations, documentary analysis and semi-structured interviews. Findings The findings show an organization that has developed its competitive advantage by adopting open innovation to embed sustainability in its strategy and business model. The case study complements the understanding of how open innovation can effectively drive strategic renewal and innovation activities to address sustainability objectives in the food industry. Originality/value This study contributes to theoretical development by offering new and insightful explanations of firms' strategic behaviour and coevolution toward sustainability via open innovation. It provides practitioners, policymakers, researchers and students with reflections and inspiration about how open innovation may be deployed to support a holistic strategic renewal aimed at sustainability objectives, such as the SDGs, in the food industry.

Automated summary

This study explores how open innovation can support sustainability and contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through a case study of Andriani SpA, a leading Italian company in the food industry. The findings suggest that the company has successfully embedded sustainability in its strategy and business model through open innovation, offering new insights into achieving sustainability objectives and driving strategic renewal and innovation activities in the food industry.