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This paper presents an innovative application of event structure analysis (ESA). The key improvements incorporated on the method are: (i) a robust system for coding events; (ii) the use of causal process tracing tests for inferring necessary connections; (iii) the combination of ESA with network analyses. Finally, we propose five types of analysis for event network models (i.e., critical elements, critical associations, critical connections, critical specific happenings, and critical antecedents) and exemplify some of them in a causal case study about the process of capability construction for open innovation management in an Industrial Electronic Manufacturer. • ESA can be combined with process-tracing tests to ground counterfactual causal inferences. • ESA can be combined with network analysis to explore quantitative patterns in event structures. • ESA is an outstanding method to conduct process research in management and engineering.