¿Innovations are a critical success factor for organizations to survive. Nowadays possibilities
of information and communication technologies facilitate the use of IT-based tools for the
integration of external innovators into the innovation process of organizations. These tools
like innovation communities innovation contests innovation toolkits and innovation market
places are subsumed under the term open innovation platforms (OIPs). The skills required to
design and manage OIPs differ significantly from those for a default website. Hence typical
lifecycle models cannot be applied. Stefan Hallerstede addresses this gap and develops a
dedicated lifecycle management approach for OIPs. In doing so information systems and open
innovation literature are merged as well as the major players in the market are introduced. He
builds on three in-depth cases of professional OIP lifecycle management and compiles
guidelines for managing each phase of an OIP's lifecycle. Thereby challenges in the lifecycle
of OIPs are identified and mechanisms to overcome them are developed. Concluding Stefan
Hallerstede provides important insights for all who are interested in involved in or
designers and managers of open innovation platforms.
