Strategic Integration of Generative Artificial Intelligence into Organizational Open Innovation Processes: A Sequential Explanatory Mixed-Methods Study

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.65835/aj.2026.2.16

Keywords:

Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI), Open Innovation, Strategic Integration, Sociotechnical Systems, Innovation Ecosystems.

Abstract

This mixed-methods study (survey n=142 + qualitative cases) found that normative uncertainty (ethical, regulatory, IP concerns) is the main barrier to integrating Generative AI into open innovation (???? = −.408), surpassing technical limitations. Leadership support and technical capabilities are key drivers. Successful integration requires a Strategic Sociotechnical Integration framework with four pillars: proactive governance, ambidextrous architecture (hybrid AI Innovation Cells), human-AI co-evolution loops, and relational capital renewal. Competitive advantage comes from orchestration capability, not superior algorithms.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Autio, E., & Thomas, L. D. W. (2022). Innovation ecosystems. In The Oxford Handbook of Innovation Management (pp. 278–298). Oxford University Press.

Boudreau, K. (2017). Platform boundary choices & governance: Opening-up while still coordinating and orchestrating. In Advances in Strategic Management (Vol. 37, pp. 227–297). Emerald Publishing Limited.

Charmaz, K. (2014). Constructing grounded theory (2nd ed.). SAGE Publications.

Cohen, W. M., & Levinthal, D. A. (1990). Absorptive capacity: A new perspective on learning and innovation. Administrative Science Quarterly, *35*(1), 128–152.

Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2018). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches (4th ed.). SAGE Publications.

Edutin Staff. (2025, February 7). The era of continuous learning. Edutin. https://edutin.com/articulos/era-del-aprendizaje-continuo

EY. (n.d.). Five generative AI initiatives leaders should pursue now. https://www.ey.com/es_cl/insights/ai/five-generative-ai-initiatives-leaders-should-pursue-now

Johnson, R. B., & Onwuegbuzie, A. J. (2004). Mixed methods research: A research paradigm whose time has come. Educational Researcher, *33*(7), 14–26.

Kim, Y. (2025). How organizations choose open-source generative AI under normative uncertainty: The moderating role of exploitative and exploratory behaviors. Journal of Theoretical and Applied Electronic Commerce Research, *20*(3), 250. https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer20030250

Knowly. (2025, June 2). Fostering a culture of continuous learning: 7 best practices. Easy LMS. https://www.easy-lms.com/es/centro-de-conocimiento/aprendizaje-entrenamiento/7-mejores-practicas-cultura-de-aprendizaje-continuo/item13028

Lesauvage, X. (2024, May 1). The deployment of generative AI in organizations: 5 keys to success. Sociedad de la Innovación. https://sociedaddelainnovacion.es/despliegue-de-la-ia-generativa/

Lichtenthaler, U. (2011). Open innovation: Past research, current debates, and future directions. Academy of Management Perspectives, *25*(1), 75–93.

Nambisan, S., Wright, M., & Feldman, M. (2019). The digital transformation of innovation and entrepreneurship: Progress, challenges and key themes. Research Policy, *48*(8), 103773.

NTT Data. (n.d.). Generative AI as a catalyst for innovative learning. https://es.nttdata.com/landings/syntphony-for-training/la-ia-generativa-como-catalizador-del-aprendizaje-innovador

PwC. (n.d.). 2026: Business predictions about AI. https://www.pwc.com/co/es/pwc-insights/2026-predicciones-empresariales-sobre-IA.html

Relaci & Innovaitors. (n.d.). Programa formativo - IA generativa. https://relaci.lat/programa-formativo-ia/

Stake, R. E. (1995). The art of case study research. SAGE Publications.

Teece, D. J. (2018). Business models and dynamic capabilities. Long Range Planning, *51*(1), 40–49.

Yin, R. K. (2018). Case study research and applications: Design and methods (6th ed.). SAGE Publications.

Downloads

Published

10.05.2026

How to Cite

Rodríguez García, A. A. (2026). Strategic Integration of Generative Artificial Intelligence into Organizational Open Innovation Processes: A Sequential Explanatory Mixed-Methods Study. Applied Journal of Digital Innovation, 2, 16. https://doi.org/10.65835/aj.2026.2.16