Abstract
Four cases of open innovation in private family SMEs in low- and medium-technology industries are considered in
order to examine the ways in which family firms can both foster their willingness and use their ability to engage in
open innovation activities. Our cases illustrate how family SMEs can successfully engage in open innovation by
handling multiple and conflicting goals within the family firm in particular ways and by taking up orchestration roles
within their own open innovation networks to minimize concern for the loss of control.