Co-creation of value by open innovation: unlocking new sources of competitive advantage.

A focus on the consumer has been recognized as the key to unlocking new sources of competitive advantage.

This paper looks at this new perspective in value creation, where personalized consumer experience takes

central stage as opposed to a product and firm-centric view. Through an explorative case study, the paper

illustrates how a joint innovation effort between Molson Coors Brewing Company UK (MCBC-UK) and

a supplier, is leading to more open approaches as consumers are involved in the process. By understanding

what consumers’ value, and engaging in active dialog and interaction, MCBC-UK has been able to

develop superior value propositions relevant to their target consumer base. The case underscores the role

of consumer value creation in a commoditizing world, where companies can seek to maximize the lifetime

value of desirable consumer segments, by taking consumers as a partner or co-producer instead of an

external element. Food and drink companies have the opportunity to add value and extricate themselves

from commodity sectors, where the lowest cost provider holds sway by embracing consumers’ ideas as part

of the innovation process.