Crowdsourcing and Open Innovation for sustainable company growth: a Brazilian case study

Purpose: The article presents a study about knowledge mobilization for sustainable growth. Thus, the present study aims to advance the understanding of how crowdsourcing and open innovation can mobilize knowledge to generate actions in a company that will stimulate its sustainable growth. Design/methodology/approach - We propose a theoretical and descriptive approach based on literature review about crowdsourcing, open innovation and sustainable growth of the company. A single case study, using qualitative interview and data content analysis, was carried out in a large Brazilian building and developing company in order to analyze how crowdsourcing and open innovation actions can provoke sustainable ideas and organizational growth. Originality/value - The construction sector is a relevant participant in the Brazil's economy. It was responsible for over 5% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP) in 2012 (IBGE, 2012). The companies in this sector in Brazil have been going through a continuous growth process. The study pursues providing evidence of the positive effects of the use of crowdsourcing via a web based platform through which information and innovative ideas are shared within this competitive sector in a sustainable way. Practical implications - The strategic management between non-monetary social and environmental activities and economic success is necessary for a sustainable business company (Schaltegger et al. 2011). Sustainable company growth is a challenge for companies facing a tough competitive scenario in the business environment they operate. The case study used shows a large Brazilian company that has been dedicating time to acquire crowd-source knowledge and combining that with their expertise and ideas. This has resulted as the case study will show in a tool that has contributed to improving its internal processes as well as the application of an overall more sustainable business model. The implementation of ideas resulting from the knowledge acquired through crowdsourcing also improved the company's relationship with its customers and other stakeholders.