Big Data and Open Innovation: Sant'Anna Study Reaches the Top of International Citations

An article authored by professors and researchers from the Excellence Department L'EMbeDS and the Institute of Management of Sant'Anna School is the most cited contribution in 2024 in R&D Management, one of the leading international scientific journals in the field of research and innovation management. The study — "Which 'V' of big data influence SMEs' open innovation breadth and depth? An empirical analysis" — is co-authored by Giulio Ferrigno, Saverio Barabuffi, Enrico Marcazzan and Andrea Piccaluga, and investigates how Big Data characteristics (Volume, Velocity and Variety) shape the open innovation strategies of Italian small and medium-sized enterprises. Based on a sample of 123 SMEs, the research demonstrates that Big Data significantly broaden firms' external collaboration networks, opening new perspectives for open innovation beyond large industrial and technological contexts. This recognition reflects the international standing of research produced at Sant'Anna and the School's contribution to the global scientific debate on issues that are crucial for the competitiveness of businesses and production systems.