The role of information technology for building virtual environments to integrate crowdsourcing mechanisms into the open innovation process

Information technology enabled the development of the virtual environment, allowing collaboration with external agents and leveraging the open innovation process. Crowdsourcing is an example of this new environment, using collaboration to enhance capabilities and relationships and as a way to accelerate innovation. However, companies are still searching for the best way to apply the crowdsourcing to internal processes to create value. Based on this context, the general objective of this research is to analyze how Brazilian companies have integrated crowdsourcing mechanisms into the open innovation process. To achieve the objectives, case studies conducted in two Brazilian organizations from different sectors were applied. The results contribute to a better understanding of the adopted crowdsourcing mechanism and the adequate technological aspects that enable the operation of the open innovation process. •Discusses management mechanisms to support crowdsourcing for open innovation;•How companies are working in the practice of the crowdsourcing;•How IT (Information Technology) influences the way knowledge is created;•How IT can influence the virtualization of R & D.