Hackathons as a Method for Fostering Corporate Innovation and Competitive Advantage

Abstract

Hackathons, originally rooted in the software and technology sectors, have evolved into powerful tools for corporate innovation. Today, organizations across diverse industries use them to accelerate idea generation, boost employee engagement, and strengthen competitive positioning. However, despite their growing popularity, the mechanisms by which hackathons drive innovation within firms remain underexplored in academic literature, particularly from the standpoint of innovation theory and strategic management. Much of the existing research is fragmented across disciplines such as healthcare, education, and computer science, lacking a unified framework for understanding hackathons as instruments of organizational innovation. This study addresses that gap by examining hackathons as structured innovation development mechanisms. Drawing on a comprehensive review of scholarly sources, we investigate the definitions, theoretical foundations, and practical implementations of corporate hackathons. The paper develops a conceptual model that delineates the phases, design components, critical success factors, and post-event integration processes necessary to foster sustainable innovation outcomes. Our findings suggest that hackathons support corporate innovation by enabling rapid experimentation, attracting entrepreneurial talent, and cultivating internal knowledge-sharing communities. Moreover, they provide a low-risk environment conducive to intrapreneurship and openness to change. This article contributes to the academic discourse on innovation and organizational learning by situating hackathon practices within strategic innovation frameworks. It also offers actionable insights for practitioners on how to effectively design, implement, and leverage hackathons to drive competitive advantage in dynamic and uncertain business environments.