An artificial intelligence-based innovation ecosystem enabling open innovation and sustainable growth: evidence from a case study

This article aims to shed new light on the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a fundamental enabler of Open Innovation (OI) within innovation ecosystems (IEs). Specifically, it explores how an AI-based platform can optimise decision-making processes and foster the collaborative development of new products, services, and prototypes within IEs. The study presents a case study of Lutech Campus, an OI hub led by an international company specialising in comprehensive digital technology solutions. Specifically, the study examines how an AI platform serves as the backbone of the Lutech AI-based IE, facilitating knowledge sharing, optimising decision-making, and accelerating the development of sustainable solutions. The Lutech ecosystem enables seamless collaboration among companies, start-ups, academic institutions, and other key stakeholders through AI-driven analytics and automation, thereby fostering a dynamic and AI-powered OI process. The findings highlight that an AI-based IE can enhance OI dynamics, improve knowledge dissemination, accelerate innovation processes, and promote long-term value creation. Furthermore, sustainability is embedded in both the processes and outcomes of innovation, ensuring the integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles and alignment with sustainable development goals (SDGs). Finally, this study presents an AI-based IE framework, offering both theoretical insights and practical implications.