Ubuntu Facilitates Open Innovation for Entrepreneurs: Synergising Through an African Perspective

The Ubuntu ideology is different from an individualistic perspective. It considers that the benefits of being connected to a collective grouping, such as a community, are more beneficial than operating as an individual. This chapter conceptualises how Ubuntu, a Southern African ideology, perceives the mindset of collectivism to be used as a catalyst in developing synergies through open innovation. Ubuntu can be seen as three layers, family (f), community (c), and the world at large (w). Taking a perspective that focuses on the “we” before “me”, with the focus placed on societal uplift, has both economic and sustainable benefits. This concept is similar to open innovation, which emphasises the co-creation of future benefits with partners/stakeholders as a means to provide synergistic opportunities. In so doing, this chapter proposes a conceptual model that illustrates a mindset that is community and society-focused (Ubuntu mindset), whilst going through the process of realising benefits from open innovation.