Intangible resources and firms' innovation performance: empirical evidence from Chinese firms

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiuyuan Fang ◽  
Marshall S. Jiang ◽  
Yugang Li
Keyword(s):  
Institutional Development ◽  
State Ownership ◽  
Innovation Performance ◽  
Firm Innovation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Industrial Enterprises ◽  
Intangible Resources ◽  
Enterprise Innovation ◽  
The Relationship

PurposeIntangible resources (IRs) play an important role in enterprise innovation; previous studies find inconsistent results (positive and negative). The authors develop and test a framework to analyze IRs to see whether and how to impact firm innovation performance to reconcile the conflicting results.Design/methodology/approachThis study empirically examined the curvilinear effect of IRs and innovation performance (IP) based on data from the Annual Census of Chinese Industrial Enterprises. The moderating effect of institutional development (ID) and state ownership (SO) in the relationship between firms' IRs and IP was also examined.FindingsIt was found that there is a U-shaped relationship between IRs and IP. Moreover, the institutional development weakens the U-shaped relationship.Originality/valueThe U-shaped relationship explains the inconsistent results in previous studies. It offers some important implications for managers and policymakers, who must understand the role of IRs.

scholarly journals Innovative search, capability reconfiguration and firm innovation performance in the process of technological leapfrogging

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pan Hu ◽  
Ying Wang ◽  
Tao Feng ◽  
Yuxin Duan
Keyword(s):  
Local Search ◽  
Boundary Spanning ◽  
Innovation Performance ◽  
Firm Innovation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Organizational Search ◽  
Enterprise Innovation ◽  
Technological Leapfrogging ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Search Capability

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate three issues: how does an innovative search (local search and boundary-spanning search) impact firm innovation performance of latecomers; how does capability reconfiguration (capability evolution and capability substitution) mediates the relationship between innovative search and firm innovation performance; and how does the technological leapfrogging process (initial stage, following stage, synchronization stage and leading stage) moderate the relationship between capability reconfiguration and firm innovation performance. Design/methodology/approach A “resource-capability-performance” theoretical framework was developed to explore the relationships between local/boundary-spanning search, capability reconfiguration and firm innovation performance. The data were collected by sending out surveys to managers and employees in various industries in mainland China. These hypotheses were tested using structural equation models and hierarchical regressions. Findings The results showed that: innovative search has a direct causal relationship to capability reconfiguration; local search and boundary-spanning search are conducive to improve the innovation performance of latecomers; the impact of local search and boundary-spanning search on innovation performance is realized through the completion of mediating role of capability reconfiguration; there are differences in the path of local search and boundary-spanning search affecting the capability reconfiguration of enterprise innovation performance; and the relationship between innovative search, capability reconfiguration and enterprise innovation performance evolves with the enterprise in different stages of technological leapfrogging. Originality/value This study explores the relationship and the path of innovative search to firm innovation performance and analyzes the path difference between local search and boundary-spinning search, which enriches the research of organizational search and enterprise innovation. This paper reveals the whole path of innovative search affecting innovation performance, discusses the important role of capability reconfiguration and makes incremental contributions to dynamic capability theory. It studies the evolution of innovative search on innovation performance under the background of technological leapfrogging, which provides a new perspective for the study of organizational search and capability-based theory.

Information technology investment and innovation performance: does investment paradox exist?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Peinan Ji ◽  
Xiangbin Yan ◽  
Yan Shi
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Time Lag ◽  
Innovation Performance ◽  
Test Model ◽  
It Investment ◽  
Firm Innovation ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Lag Effect ◽  
Enterprise Innovation

Purpose The purpose of this study is to deepen the understanding of the effects of information technology (IT) investment on firm innovation performance and examining the investment paradox effect in China. Design/methodology/approach Using a sample of China’ public firms IT investment data between 2010 and 2016, the authors establish a test model of IT investment and innovation performance. Findings The result indicates that IT investment in firms have no effect on innovation performance in the investment period. However, in the full sample and manufacturing sample, the IT investment has a significant positive effect on innovation performance in the post-investment years. In addition, this study finds that large companies and low-age companies may contribute more to innovation when firm investment in IT. Research limitations/implications There are several limitations in this research. First, the authors are failed to obtain a larger sample about the IT investment information data set in China, so this study was compelled to use limited sample data from China, hence, this could lead to errors of too early generalization. Second, the authors use the number of invention patent applications to represent the performance of enterprise innovation, which may not show enterprise innovation effectively. Third, the firms in the sample are all in China Listed Companies, so this may not accurately reflect the entire environment of firm innovation performance, and could possibly. Practical implications The research confirms that there is a paradox and time lag effect in IT investment, which enterprises should pay attention to. Originality/value Existing research confirms that corporate IT investments can bring new products or services. However, the authors still do not know whether IT investment has improved the company’s ability of innovation. This study will fill this gap and the industry effect and time lag effect of the influence of IT investment on innovative performance are also examined.

Performance of Ghanaian women businesses community: the moderating role of social competence

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cynthia Ayorkor Sallah ◽  
Livingstone Divine Caesar
Keyword(s):  
Social Competence ◽  
Women Entrepreneurs ◽  
Emerging Market ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Business Growth ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Intangible Resources ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Moderating Role

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the moderating dynamics of social competence in the relationship between intangible resources and the performance of women businesses from an emerging market context. Developed economy literature provides ample evidence of a positive relationship between intangible resources and the performance of women business ventures. Little is known of the complexity of this orthodoxy in developing markets such as Ghana. In particular, this paper investigates the moderating role of social competence in the relationship between intangible resources available to women entrepreneurs and performance. Design methodology approach An exploratory sequential mixed method research design was used. First phase involved qualitative data collected through interviews, and the second phase was quantitative data collected from 264 participants. Content analysis and multiple regression analysis were used. Findings Social competence is important to the success of women businesses as it influences the outcome of entrepreneurial interactions and communications. Also, it positively moderated the relationship between organisational reputational capital (RC) and women business growth. On the flip side, it negatively moderated the relationship between human capital, social capital, individual RC and women business growth. Practical implications To sustainably grow their businesses, women entrepreneurs must ascertain the right level of social competence needed. The utilization of social competence at higher rather than lower levels could mean more costs and more training for which the business may not have immediate use. Originality value This paper advocates the need to improve the content of entrepreneurial training packages to include the reinforcement of social competency skills in terms of relationship management as this may be the key to the facilitation of access to resources for innovation and growth.

Impact of intangible resources (dominant logic) on SMEs innovation performance, the mediating role of dynamic managerial capabilities: evidence from China

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kashif Ullah Khan ◽  
Fouzia Atlas ◽  
Usman Ghani ◽  
Sadia Akhtar ◽  
Farhan Khan
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Innovation Performance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Dominant Logic ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Intangible Resources ◽  
Dynamic Managerial Capabilities ◽  
Managerial Capabilities ◽  
Management Capabilities

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the important role of intangible resources under resource based view (RBV) such as dominant logic (information filter and learning/routines) and dynamic managerial capabilities (managerial human capital, HC; social capital, SC and managerial cognition, MC) in small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) innovation performance in Hefei, Anhui province China.Design/methodology/approachAn empirical study was conducted while distributing 498 questionnaires among different SMEs in Hefei, of which around 429 responses were received. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to test the proposed hypotheses.FindingsThis research study is an endeavor to fill the missing link in the existing literature, and empirical analysis of this research supports all the hypotheses confirming that dominant logic and dynamic managerial capabilities are valuable intangible resources and positively and significantly influence the SMEs innovation performance. Results also indicate that managerial human capital, social capital and managerial cognition (dynamic managerial capabilities) play a significant mediating role between dominant logic and SMEs innovation performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings suggest that those SMEs which are lacking tangible resources should build and nurture their top management capabilities and dominant logic and SMEs effectively utilizing these intangible resources can enhance their innovation performance.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that SMEs lacking tangible resources should build and nurture their top management capabilities and dominant logic and SMEs effectively utilizing these intangible resources can enhance their innovation performance.Originality/valueThis paper argues theoretically (under RBV and dynamic capabilities view-DCV) and demonstrates empirically that in an emerging economy, i.e. China characterized by highly volatile, dynamic and uncertain competitive environments, SMEs lack tangible resources; therefore, intangible resources (e.g. dominant logic-DL and dynamic managerial capabilities-DMC) are vital for SMEs innovation performance and competitive advantage.

Emanating the key factors of innovation performance: leveraging on the innovation culture among SMEs in Malaysia

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 559-587 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haniruzila Hanifah ◽  
Hasliza Abdul Halim ◽  
Noor Hazlina Ahmad ◽  
Ali Vafaei-Zadeh
Keyword(s):  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Innovation Performance ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Government Support ◽  
Innovation Strategy ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Innovation Culture ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose Innovation has become an approach to create value for the customer to remain competitive in the market. However, previous research on innovation performance particularly among Bumiputera small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) had received little intention. Hence, Bumiputera SMEs need to inculcate the innovation culture to generate innovation performance. As such, the purpose of this study is to examine the ambidextrous orientation and innovation strategy on innovation culture, and how innovation culture could mediate the relationship between ambidextrous orientation and innovation strategy and innovation performance. In addition, this study also examines the role of government support as the moderator between innovation culture and innovation performance. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from 140 Bumiputera SMEs and analyzed using partial least square-structural equation modeling via Smart PLS. Findings Findings indicated that ambidextrous orientation (alignment and adaptability) and innovation strategy (proactive creativity strategy and growth risk orientation strategy) had a significant impact on innovation culture. Besides, innovation culture mediated the relationship between alignment, proactive creativity strategy, growth risk orientation strategy and innovation performance. Surprisingly, innovation culture does not significantly mediate the relationship between adaptability and innovation performance. However, government support plays an important role to support innovation culture and innovation performance in Bumiputera SMEs. Originality/value This study makes both theoretical and practical contributions, especially in identifying the significant role of Bumiputera SMEs in creating an innovation culture. Besides, it explained government support as an important role in strengthening the relationship between innovation culture and innovation performance. The findings of the study will provide great help to Bumiputera entrepreneurs in formulating innovation culture in Malaysian SMEs.

Enhancing radical innovation performance through intellectual capital components

2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 789-806 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lara Agostini ◽  
Anna Nosella
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Capital ◽  
Radical Innovation ◽  
Innovation Performance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
Ic Testing ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose In today’s knowledge economy the ability to innovate and develop new products is a key factor to sustain firm performance. Within this context, analysing the role of different components of intellectual capital (IC) becomes of foremost importance, as well as an under-investigated issue for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of human, organisational and relational capital (RC) on radical innovation performance (RIP), as well as to examine whether organisational capital (OC) and RC mediate the relationship between human capital (HC) and RIP and whether OC moderates the relationship between RC and RIP. Design/methodology/approach The methodology consisted of a factor analysis and different regression models to test for mediation and moderation. The analyses are carried out on a sample of 150 micro firms and SMEs involved in the production of machinery or instruments and located in Italy. Findings Results show that HC is directly associated to RIP, as well as OC and RC that totally mediate the relationship between HC and RIP. Moreover, OC positively moderates the relationship between RC and RIP. Originality/value This study is particularly interesting because it adopts an overarching perspective on IC testing the interplay between the different components of IC. In addition, it focusses on the SME context which is under-investigated as far as IC and performance measurement is concerned.

IP, openness, and innovation performance: an empirical study

2017 ◽  
Vol 55 (6) ◽  
pp. 1307-1327 ◽  
Author(s):  
Davide Aloini ◽  
Valentina Lazzarotti ◽  
Raffaella Manzini ◽  
Luisa Pellegrini
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Innovation Performance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Know How ◽  
Protection Mechanisms ◽  
Great Relevance ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
The Empirical Analysis

Purpose Intellectual property protection mechanisms (IPPMs) include a variety of methods suitable for protecting valuable intangible assets of companies, and it is of great relevance to study how companies use these mechanisms to ensure the appropriability of innovation, in a context in which innovation is increasingly open. Indeed, there is a tension between the aim to share knowledge with external partners and the need to protect valuable know-how. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship among the use of IPPMs, open innovation (OI), and the innovation performance of companies. Design/methodology/approach The study is based upon a survey conducted on 477 firms from Finland, Italy, Sweden, and UK in 2012. Findings The study shows that IPPMs have an indirect impact on innovation performance, mediated by the degree of openness. More precisely, IPPMs positively influence the level of openness, which, in turn, positively influences the innovation performance. Originality/value The empirical analysis contributes on two issues widely debated in the literature: the impact of IPPMs on innovation performance and the role of IPPMs as enablers or disablers of OI.

scholarly journals Role of Servitization, Digitalization, and Innovation Performance in Manufacturing Enterprises

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (17) ◽  
pp. 9878
Author(s):  
Lei Shen ◽  
Cong Sun ◽  
Muhammad Ali
Keyword(s):  
Manufacturing Industry ◽  
Dynamic Capabilities ◽  
Innovation Performance ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Business Innovation ◽  
Manufacturing Enterprises ◽  
Enterprise Innovation ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

The structure of the manufacturing industry has forced manufacturing companies to understand the importance of digitalization and servitization transformation, in terms of production and R&D. In this study, we examine the relationship between servitization, digitization, and enterprise innovation performance through the lens of dynamic capabilities within enterprises. We also discuss the impact of the transformation servitization strategy on business innovation, and the mechanisms by which it impacts business innovation performance. The study’s findings indicate that servitization significantly contributes to innovation performance, and digitalization acts as a mediating mechanism between the proposed relationships. Thus, this article argues for the integration and growth of servitization and digitization.

The relationship among knowledge-based dynamic process capabilities, innovation processes and innovation performance: an empirical study of knowledge-based high-tech companies in Iran

Kybernetes ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Farzad Nazari ◽  
Amir Rahimipour Anaraki ◽  
Seyedeh Safiyeh Taghavi ◽  
Behzad Ghasemi
Keyword(s):  
Dynamic Process ◽  
Innovation Performance ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knowledge Based ◽  
Mediator Role ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Innovation Processes

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of knowledge-based dynamic process capabilities (KBDPCs) on innovation performance, considering the mediator role of innovation processes in the Iranian knowledge-based high-tech companies. Design/methodology/approach Based on an in-depth review of previous studies, the indicators pertaining to the research constructs were extracted. Then, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were applied to identify and confirm the research constructs. Partial least squares-based structural equation modeling was used to investigate the intended relationships. Findings The results of the direct effect showed that KBDPCs have a significant positive effect on innovation performance. Further, moderation analysis demonstrated that innovation processes are moderated by the relationship between KBDPCs and innovation performance. Accordingly, the findings revealed that KBDPCs affect product innovation performance and exploratory innovation and transitional innovation increase this effect. Also, the mediator role of exploitation innovation in the relationship between KBDPCs and process innovation performance was proved. Research limitations/implications As this research was performed in the Iranian context, caution should be taken regarding the generalizability of the findings. Practical implications This paper provides a roadmap based on existing scenarios to enhance innovation performance for the surveyed-companies, in particular, and other companies, in general. Social implications The social implication of this study is to respond to the challenge of the managers of Iranian knowledge-based high-tech companies to improve innovation performance through KBDPCs and innovation processes and to grow and develop a sustainable business. Originality/value Given rare studies that have so far been conducted on the research field, this study extends the theories of KBDPCs, innovation processes and innovation performance. The constructs of the research model and relationships intended among them are also significant.

Geographic search, potential absorptive capacity and radical innovation performance: the moderating role of collaborative network

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Feng Zhang ◽  
Lei Zhu ◽  
Chongchong Lyu
Keyword(s):  
Absorptive Capacity ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Radical Innovation ◽  
Innovation Performance ◽  
Collaborative Network ◽  
Firm Innovation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Geographic Boundaries ◽  
Positive Effect

PurposeA firm's geographic boundaries represent an important demarcation line when searching for new knowledge. Prior research on geographic search has generated conflicting results concerning its influence on firm innovation outcomes. The purpose of this study is to fill the gap by examining how and under which conditions geographic search affects firm radical innovation performance.Design/methodology/approachThis study hypothesizes a positive association between a firm's geographic search and radical innovation performance, which is mediated by potential absorptive capacity (PAC). It further proposes that the influence of geographic search on PAC will be moderated by a firm's collaborative network. Drawing on a random sample of 286 Chinese manufacturing firms, the theoretical model is tested.FindingsThe study's results show a positive relationship between geographic search and radical innovation performance, which is partially mediated by PAC. Moreover, attributes of collaborative networks (i.e. diverse location of and strong relational ties with partners) are observed to enhance the positive effect of geographic search on PAC.Originality/valueThis paper advances the understanding of how and when firms can better capture the benefits of geographic search in the development of radical innovation.

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