Based on the notion of heterogeneity and skill differentiation among users, we develop a typology of interactions between user communities and firms producing a product or service around which the community is centered. Hybrid innovation models are described as stable arrangements in which part of the innovation function is relegated to the user community, but the commercially oriented firm is capable of systematically and repeatedly appropriating monetary returns to the community-generated innovations.  read more »

The standards setting process relies to an increasing degree on successfully integrating up-to-date research and development results. Successful interaction between research and standards can promote further innovation activity and provide important social benefits in general.  read more »