Abstract
This paper explores the orchestration of innovation contests and hackathons. We employ a multiple case study approach with data from different hackathon events, with data collected from the hackathon organizer, partners, and the hackathon solvers. Our findings identify three types of orchestration mechanisms – orchestration as brokering, orchestration as contextual configuring, and orchestration as legitimacy building. We analyze how these orchestration activities contribute to the benefits perceived by solvers and partners. Our study contributes to the academic discourse on inter-organizational orchestration in hackathons and offers insights for practitioners, especially those managing innovation contests.