Exploring intellectual property risk inducement and formation mechanism of innovation-oriented enterprises: a grounded theory approach and system dynamics model analysis

ABSTRACTThe open interconnection and sharing characteristics of innovation-oriented enterprises aggravate the potential detrimental effects of intellectual property risks, while the proliferation of uncertainty factors perpetually amplifies the ripples of these risks. This study employed the grounded theory method, complemented by expert interviews, case analyses of intellectual property risk incidents, examination of intellectual property-related laws and regulations, as well as other relevant materials. It gathered comprehensive risk information and conducted an in-depth exploration of the underlying factors that contribute to intellectual property risks in enterprises. These factors encompassed risks associated with intellectual property dispute feedback, intellectual property competition, open innovation, intellectual property legal aspects, and environmental considerations. An index system for risk factors is established based on the comprehensive information collected. Furthermore, a system flow diagram depicting the mechanism of risk formation is developed using the system dynamics model. The study delves into the causal relationships among all risk factors and examines their impact on the overall intellectual property risk system within the enterprise. By simulating the dynamic evolution trend of intellectual property risk over time, the research reveals insights that can assist innovation-oriented enterprises operating in open environments in optimising their intellectual property risk management strategies.KEYWORDS: Intellectual property riskrisk formation mechanismgrounded theorysystem dynamics Disclosure statementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).Additional informationFundingThis study is supported by the Grant from the Natural Science foundation of Shandong Province ‘Research on the influencing factors and promotion paths of innovation performance in patent-intensive industries’ (No. ZR2022MG079).Notes on contributorsYating ZhaoYating Zhao is working as a post-doctor at the College of Computer Science and Engineering at Shandong University of Science and Technology. Her research focuses on open innovation, knowledge management, intellectual property risk, etc.Yanping ZhouYanping Zhou is a Professor in the College of Economics and Management at Shandong University of Science and Technology. His research interests primarily revolve around technological innovation, knowledge management.Yang ZhangYang Zhang is a lecturer at the College of Computer Science and Engineering at Shandong University of Science and Technology. His research interests are mainly focused on blockchain technology application, artificial intelligence, IoTs, etc.Huiying ChenHuiying Chen is a Professor in the College of Economics and Management at Shandong University of Science and Technology. Her research interests include technological innovation, intellectual property management and knowledge management.