This paper addresses the challenges faced by High-Growth Small-to-Medium Enterprises (HG-SMEs) in balancing intellectual property (IP) protection with open innovation during periods of rapid growth. Despite developing valuable IP assets that drive success, HG-SMEs often struggle with cybersecurity concerns related to IP theft and data exfiltration amidst resource constraints and the competing demands of expansion. We examine the intersection of cybersecurity, IP protection and rapid scaling - an area currently underexplored in existing literature. Drawing on Dynamic Capabilities (DC), Knowledge-based View (KBV) and open innovation theoretical frameworks, we introduce a conceptual framework to guide HG-SMEs in effectively managing valuable IP assets. This research-in-progress paper outlines a qualitative methodology to validate and refine the model. By addressing the research question of how HG-SMEs manage cybersecurity to protect valuable IP assets, we aim to provide practical guidance for high-growth, technology-driven companies navigating the tension between robust IP protection and collaborative innovation.

翻译：本文探讨了高增长型中小企业（HG-SMEs）在快速成长期内，如何在知识产权（IP）保护与开放式创新之间取得平衡所面临的挑战。尽管HG-SMEs开发了推动其成功的宝贵知识产权资产，但在资源受限和扩张需求相互竞争的情况下，它们常常面临与知识产权盗窃和数据外泄相关的网络安全问题。我们研究了网络安全、知识产权保护和快速规模化三者交汇的领域——这是现有文献中尚未充分探索的领域。借鉴动态能力（DC）、知识基础观（KBV）和开放式创新理论框架，我们提出了一个概念性框架，以指导HG-SMEs有效管理其宝贵的知识产权资产。这篇研究进展中的论文概述了一种用于验证和完善该模型的定性研究方法。通过探讨HG-SMEs如何管理网络安全以保护其宝贵知识产权资产这一研究问题，我们旨在为高增长、技术驱动的公司在严格的知识产权保护与协作创新之间的张力中前行提供实用指导。