World Open Innovation Conversations

WOIC 2025 - Finally! - Marcus Holgersson ft. Dr. Suno

This song was created by Marcus Holgersson (ft. Dr Suno), and its title — “Finally!” (Äntligen!) — comes from a Swedish tradition linked to the Nobel Prize in Literature. Each year, when the Swedish Academy finally announces the winner, people joyfully shout “Äntligen!” — “Finally!” — capturing the excitement and relief after a long wait.Marcus brought that same spirit to our #WOIC2025 academic awards this year, celebrating in all the languages we speak — “Finally!” “Eindelijk!” “Finalmente!” “Äntligen!” — one shared voice of open innovation and joy.Here are the lyrics:In Bilbao, the lights shine brightIdeas are dancing through the nightHenry said it, Marcel knowsMarisol’s magic — that’s how it goesAnd all around the world we cameOpen minds, a common flame “Finally”“Eindelijk!”“Enfin!”“Äntligen!”We all laugh, we all belong! From Doctoral dreams to paper flightsWe shared our work through sleepless nightsIn workshops, keynotes, panels tooNew ideas — they grew and flewAnn-Kristin and Vinit took the stageOn wicked problems and the digital ageA global family, heart and mindInnovation with humankind Finally! We’re here againIn Bilbao’s sun with all our friendsOpen innovation lights the wayWe build the future, day by dayFrom Henry’s spark to Marcel’s planAnd Marisol — she leads the bandFinally! We made it throughBilbao’s the place where ideas grew! We heard the laughter, felt the sparkCollaboration lighting up the darkBest Paper winners took the stageThe crowd stood up — a brand-new ageAnd when they called their names aloudWe shouted “Finally!” — oh what a crowd! “Finally!” — said in every tongueLaughter rising, songs unsungInnovation needs no wall or lineJust open hearts and brilliant minds. Finally! We’re here againIn Bilbao’s halls we all transcendOpen innovation, loud and clearConnecting minds from far and nearFinally! Together strongMarcel and Marisol keep the songAnd Henry smiles, his dream’s aliveOpen innovation will thrive! From TU/e to Berkeley’s hallsTo Kaunas making future callsThe world unites, the voices blendFor impact that will never end Finally! We shout it loudIn every language, proud!Research, practice, side by sideOpen innovation’s joy worldwideFinally! From heart to brainWe’ll meet again, we’ll meet againBilbao’s beat, our common glowOpen hearts make ideas grow! “Äntligen!”“Eindelijk!”“Finally!”

WOIConversations - Season 02 - Episode 06 - Open Innovation in Times of Uncertainty: A Conversation with Ann-Kristin Zobel

In our 6th episode of World Open Innovation Conversations, we speak with Prof. Ann-Kristin Zobel (University of St. Gallen) to explore the Open Innovation (OI) world, from her personal OI journey to the possibility of systemic shifts in industries facilitated by OI.Key highlights from our conversation:The journey that shaped a scholar: How Anne-Kristin's path from Maastricht to Berkeley to St. Gallen influenced her work on OI Beyond tech: Traditional industries innovating; why even cement and steel companies are embracing OI and reinventing themselvesBridging two worlds: The challenge (and art) of connecting academia and practice to make research truly actionableRedefining success metrics: How OI can address grand challenges beyond traditional profit and growth measuresSneak peek at WOIC 2025: What to expect from her keynote in Bilbao on the theme: OI in Times of Uncertainty✨ The big takeaway? OI isn't just for tech startups; it's a strategic approach that can transform even the most established industries facing complex challengesWOIConversation hosted by Marcel Bogers and Marisol Menendez, Organized by: Salar Alizad Poursaeidi

WOIConversations – Season 02 – Episode 05 – From Mindset to Metrics: Making Open Innovation Stick with Aurelia Engelsberger

In our latest episode of WOIConversations, hosted by Marcel Bogers and Marisol Menéndez, we speak with Aurelia Engelsberger — CEO of OMIND Platform. OMIND helps organizations embed innovation strategies into daily routines by combining digital tools, behavioral nudges, and facilitated workshops to build open mindsets and achieve measurable behavior change. Here are some highlights from our conversation: ✨ Practice → theory → practice: Aurelia’s journey from industry to PhD and back into entrepreneurship.✨ Mindset matters: Sustainable change comes from small routines and measurable habits, not one-off keynotes.✨ Academia × industry: The biggest barrier isn’t strategy — it’s language and ways of working.✨ Measure what matters: Link culture and mindset change to real impact and financial metrics.WOIConversations hosted by Marcel Bogers and Marisol Menéndez, organized by Salar Alizad Poursaeidi.

WOIConversations – Season 02 – Episode 04 – Open Innovation in Action with Henry Chesbrough: Lessons from Eindhoven and Beyond

In this special episode, we sit down with Henry Chesbrough, father of the Open Innovation, on the occasion of his honorary doctorate at TU Eindhoven. We explore the early roots of open innovation, its global evolution, and how it connects to the transformation of Philips and the creation of the High Tech Campus Eindhoven.From there, we zoom out to discuss the rise of innovation ecosystems with Brainport Eindhoven as a case in point, and reflect on the critical role of ecosystem orchestrators, the challenges of collaboration, and the structures needed to make ecosystems thrive.As we navigate growing uncertainty and global shifts, Henry offers his perspective on the future of open innovation, the risks of ecosystem imbalance, and why community and collaboration are more important than ever.“My win is not your loss. In a healthy ecosystem, we all contribute—and we all grow.”— Henry ChesbroughWOIConversations with Marisol Menendez, Marcel Bogers, and Salar Alizad Poursaeidi

WOIConversations – Season 02 – Episode 03 – The Scholar-Practitioner Lens: Kamran Bagheri on Open Innovation and AI

In this episode, we sit down with Kamran Bagheri, entrepreneur, researcher, and translator of key Innovation books, for a friendly conversation on:🔹 His journey into Open Innovation and what first drew him in🔹 How he connects, rather than balances, his dual career across industry and academia🔹 Lessons from working with senior executives on applying Open Innovation in practice🔹 How AI is reshaping the landscape of innovation and what it means for opennessOne of the standout insights from the episode: "The real power lies in connecting practice and theory—not keeping them apart."Whether you're shaping corporate strategy, doing academic research, or navigating both worlds, don’t miss this scholar-practitioner deep dive.WOIConversations with Marisol Menendez, Marcel Bogers, and Salar Alizad Poursaeidi