摘要：Objective: The general aim of this study is to verify how Natura and 3M businesses included open innovation in their everyday practices.Methodology: The chosen method is qualitative research of exploratory nature. The strategy adopted for the collection and analysis of data is based on the Grounded Theory approach guided by Charmaz's (2009) study in three distinct stages. At each stage of collection and analysis, the data was openly encoded (at first), followed by a more focused and theoretical coding to obtain the theoretical coding categories.Originality: This study sought to enrich the knowledge on open innovation through research in 3M Brazil and Natura's companies, which allowed relating open innovation with organizational strategy and as a complement to the innovative process.Main results: The results show that open innovation is understood by companies like a strategy that permeates the ecosystem to the complement of resources, skills, technology, and valuable knowledge in their relationships in the innovation process.Theoretical Contributions: This research contributes empirically to broaden the understanding of open innovation as a company strategy. The results reveal open innovation as a strategy that permeates the ecosystem, in addition to complement resources, capacities, technologies, and knowledge that add value to the innovation process.
