What is mine is yours, or is it? Exploring solvers’ value appropriation strategies in crowdsourcing contests
Foege J N, Lauritzen G D, Tietze F, Salge T O
Abstract
Despite the growing interest in crowdsourcing contests organized by intermediaries, little is known about the risks and challenges that solvers face. Although solvers are inclined to win the contest, they likewise fear that participation sets their intellectual property (IP) at risk of being infringed. Consequently, they employ strategies to safeguard their IP. In this study, we contribute to the literature by investigating solvers’ value appropriation strategies. Results from our analysis of 27 semi-structured interviews indicate that they employ eight different strategies as safeguards against IP infringement. These findings comprise theoretical as well as practical implications for solvers, seekers, and intermediaries.