“To harness the potential of AI it is now essential that firms collaborate,” says Antonio Crupi of the University of Messina, chair of track 4.4 of the R&D Management Conference 2025.
He explains that the integration of AI in Open Innovation is a particularly timely and relevant topic. “The increasing complexity and rapid pace of technological advancements, especially in AI, make it mandatory for firms to interact with diverse stakeholders in order to develop the necessary capabilities.
“These collaborations are vital not only to integrate AI within their processes but also to exploit its potential as a disruptive technology effectively. Furthermore, open innovation fosters the sharing of ideas and resources, which accelerates innovation and enhances firms’ competitive advantage.”
Industry 5.0 requires AI and OI
Industry 5.0, with its focus on human-centric and environmentally conscious advancements, has significant implications for fostering resilience and sustainability.
Antonio explains that this paradigm shift emphasises the role of AI, robotics, and stakeholder collaboration to achieve SDGs and moves beyond productivity to inclusivity and sustainability.
“I believe its integration into business and policy-making could redefine innovation ecosystems and enhance societal well-being.
“I am deeply interested in Industry 5.0, as it aligns closely with my research interests. I recently co-authored, together with Luca Marinelli and Emanuele Cacciatore, a book titled ‘The Gen-AI Impact: Reframing Innovation in Society 5.0’, which explores the intersection of artificial intelligence and socio-environmental sustainability within the framework of Industry 5.0.”
Track 4.4 Open Innovation and AI: Collaborating to Foster Knowledge Flows and Value Creation
This track explores the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) within open innovation (OI) ecosystems, focusing on AI’s role in enabling collaboration and enhancing decision-making. AI’s capacity to process vast data volumes uniquely positions it to drive more efficient and dynamic OI processes, particularly in sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and materials science.
The track will address AI as a facilitator of OI ecosystems, the ethical complexities of data and IP ownership, and showcase AI-driven innovations across industries.
Through a combination of theoretical insights and industry case studies, participants will gain a comprehensive view of the synergies and challenges at the AI-OI nexus, equipping them with actionable insights on navigating this evolving landscape.
R&D Management Conference 2025:
Innovation & Biodiversity
Institute of Management of Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, Pisa
30 June – 2 July 2025
Track 4.4 Open Innovation and AI: Collaborating to Foster Knowledge Flows and Value Creation
Track Chair: Antonio Crupi, University of Messina
Co-Chairs:
Alessandra Costa, University of Messina
Fabrizio Cesaroni, University of Messina
