Adaptive innovation model design: Integrating agile and open innovation in regional areas innovation

Regional innovation should be adaptive because it involves uncertainties and risks, and the context of each region is critical to the success of innovation processes. However, regional areas often face unique challenges that require tailored approaches to innovation. The focus of innovation is evolving and needs to prioritize sustainability. Consequently, adaptable innovation approaches are essential to ensure the sustainability of addressing the challenges and opportunities that arise within each regional context. Thus, the paper aims to answer three research questions: 1) How are agile and open innovation concepts described within the context of regional innovation? 2) Are the concepts of agile and open innovation compatible for integration into an adaptive model in the development of regional innovation? and 3) What patterns or commonalities emerge in the comparison between theories identified for adaptive regional innovation? This research study adopts a conceptual synthesis approach to integrate the existing knowledge. It draws on two innovation concepts: agile innovation, which offers agility and open innovation to enrich collaboration in development. Our work makes a significant contribution by proposing an adaptive innovation model for regional innovation development that explains the integration of agile and open innovation. The adaptive innovation model defines essential activities such as innovation focus areas, idea management, concept development, implementation, and evaluation, which are all part of the innovation emphasis areas. It also identifies the quadruple helix as key players in this model. This methodology can be used by regional governments and policy makers to encourage regional innovation towards sustainability and resilience. © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.