01952nas a2200241   4500008004100000022001400041245006200055210006200117260004200179300001000221490000600231520126400237653001301501653002101514653002001535653003401555653001001589653002501599653000901624100002001633700002101653856003601674       2016                        eng d  a1927-032100aWeighing the Pros and Cons of Engaging in Open Innovation0 aWeighing the Pros and Cons of Engaging in Open Innovation  aOttawabTalent First Networkc04/2016  a34-400 v63 aThe positive aspects of open innovation projects are widely discussed in innovation management research and practice by means of case studies and best practices. However, enterprises, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) also face miscellaneous challenges in open innovation practice, leading to uncertainty and even renunciation of open innovation project participation. Thus, it is essential for SMEs to find the right balance between possible positive effects and negative consequences – the latter being the less studied “dark sides” of open innovation. However, appropriate methods of finding this balance are still lacking. In this article, we discuss the assessment of open innovation project participation by presenting a weighing and decision process framework as a conceivable solution approach. The framework includes an internal, external, and integrated analysis as well as a recommendation and decision phase. Piece by piece, we investigate the current situation and the innovation goals of the enterprise as an initial point for a decision for or against engaging in open innovation. Furthermore, we discuss the development of a software tool that automatically applies this framework and allows self-assessment by SMEs.10abenefits10aentrepreneurship10aOpen innovation10aopen innovation participation10arisks10aself-assessment tool10aSMEs1 aUllrich, André1 aVladova, Gergana  uhttp://timreview.ca/article/980