Breaking Barriers with Open Innovation in Germany: A Roadmap to Future-Proof Innovation for the Mittelstand

Author:   Marc Vathauer
Publisher:   Springer Nature Switzerland AG
ISBN:  

9783032146595


Pages:   121
Publication Date:   06 February 2026
Format:   Hardback
Availability:   Not yet available   Availability explained
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Breaking Barriers with Open Innovation in Germany: A Roadmap to Future-Proof Innovation for the Mittelstand


Overview

Innovation plays a pivotal role in maintaining competitiveness for companies in high-wage nations like Germany. German industrial SMEs face significant pressure to innovate to sustain their edge against emerging market competitors. This challenge underscores the need for robust innovation practices, particularly within technology-driven industries. The author, drawing on firsthand experience as an owner-manager in this sector, explores the open innovation paradigm as a transformative approach. This paradigm addresses the inherent resource constraints of SMEs by leveraging external knowledge, networks, and collaboration platforms. By critically examining innovation culture, financing, intellectual property management, and success measurement across various industries, the book offers valuable insights into overcoming challenges and fostering sustainable growth. It provides a balanced perspective between theoretical frameworks and actionable strategies for SMEs.

Full Product Details

Author:   Marc Vathauer
Publisher:   Springer Nature Switzerland AG
Imprint:   Springer Nature Switzerland AG
ISBN:  

9783032146595


ISBN 10:   3032146593
Pages:   121
Publication Date:   06 February 2026
Audience:   Adult education ,  Further / Higher Education
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Not yet available   Availability explained
This item is yet to be released. You can pre-order this item and we will dispatch it to you upon its release.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Introduction: Rationale, motivation and innovation necessity in SMEs.- Chapter 2: Innovation activities in small and in large companies.- Chapter 3: The closed innovation versus open innovation.- Chapter 4: Opportunities for and challenges to the success of German small and medium sized enterprises.- Chapter 5: How SMEs can become more innovative and what measures need to be taken to achieve.- Chapter 6: German Small and Medium Enterprises: Harnessing Open Innovation and Crowdsourcing to sustain growth.

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Author Information

Marc Vathauer holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration and began his career in the automotive sector, working for a multinational corporation. In 2006, he joined the family-owned enterprise, MSF-Vathauer Antriebstechnik GmbH & Co. KG, a Germany-based SME specializing in drive technology and automation. As Managing Director, he has spearheaded innovation initiatives and led numerous research and development projects. Alongside his executive role, he earned his doctorate from the University of Portsmouth, UK. Dr. Vathauer is a recognized expert in industrial innovation and frequently speaks at conferences and academic forums.

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