Orchestrating innovation networks: Alignment and orchestration profile approach

Abstract

This conceptual paper organizes and advances existing knowledge on the management practices of inter-organizational innovation networks by developing an orchestration profile approach. We utilize the principle of alignment to connect orchestration practices with the management requirements of different types of innovation networks. We explain that while goals and underlying value-creation logics differ in different types of innovation networks and, consequently, practices vary from network to network, generally applicable dimensions of orchestration can be identified that provide a useful analytical tool. By addressing the network types and orchestration dimensions simultaneously, we propose three innovation-network orchestration profiles, which we label translative, transformative, and transcending. These profiles are suggested to be generic and, as such, provide managerial heuristics for creating effective orchestration solutions for various innovation networks.