Characteristics and Applicability of Open Source-Based Product Development Model in Other than Software Industries

The main objective of this research is to examine the Open Source product development paradigm and its applicability to other than software industries. First part of this paper examines the NPD process, its evolution and main characteristics during years. Than approaches to product development adopted in Open Source projects are presented, with emphasis on the managerial and knowledge related issues, as those are focal to NPD. In the second part Open Source-based Product Development Model is being constructed and its applicability to other than open source software industry verified.