The World Open Innovation Conference (WOIC) bridges the gap between theory and practice. We showcase the latest academic research on open innovation and integrate it into our program, addressing the challenges faced by industry executives and policymakers managing open innovation in their organizations. Moreover, we collaborate with policymakers to explore the opportunities and obstacles involved in crafting effective open innovation policy.

 WOIC was founded in 2014 by Henry Chesbrough, known as “the father of open innovation,” from the Garwood Center for Corporate Innovation at the University of California, Berkeley. In 2021, the organization of WOIC transitioned to the Innovation, Technology, Entrepreneurship & Marketing (ITEM) group at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), under the leadership of Marcel Bogers. 

We like to say that in “WOIC” the C stands more for Community than conference. In the spirit of true open innovation, the conference is managed, supported, and developed by a diverse team of academics, practitioners, and experts from around the globe, all part of the vibrant World Open Innovation Community. Learn more about the team below.