scholarly journals Open innovation and the formation of university–industry links in the food manufacturing and technology sector

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 89-107 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Johnston
Keyword(s):  
Open Innovation ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Interesting Case ◽  
Food Sector ◽  
Food Manufacturing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Technology Sector ◽  
Technology Firms ◽  
Innovation Practices ◽  
University Industry

Purpose Despite typically being regarded as “low tech”, the food manufacturing and technology sector is increasingly turning to open innovation practices involving collaboration with universities in order to innovate. Given the broad range of activities undertaken by this sector and the fact that it utilises analytical, synthetic and symbolic knowledge for innovation, it makes an interesting case study on the factors that influence the formation of university–industry (U–I) links. The paper aims to discuss this issue. Design/methodology/approach Using data from 249 collaborative projects that occurred between UK universities and food manufacturing and technology firms, the analysis utilises a logistic regression model based on a “synthetic counterfactual approach” to modelling the probability a collaborative link will be established with one university and not others. Findings The results suggest that organisational proximity, conceptualised through the presence of prior ties between actors, has the largest influence on the formation of U–I links. In addition, spatial and technological proximities between actors also have a positive influence on link formation. This result suggests that the specificity of knowledge of the food sector is important in the formation of these U–I links. Research limitations/implications The results suggest that the open innovation practices of food manufacturing and technology firms are like other sectors, even though their innovation practices are considered to be different. However, the limitations of the paper mean that these findings may be specific to firms in the food manufacturing and technology sector in the UK. Originality/value The food sector is under-represented in empirical studies on university collaboration; this paper addresses this and provides new insights into the formation of these links.

Open innovation practices and related internal dynamics: case studies of Italian ICT SMEs

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriele Santoro ◽  
Alberto Ferraris ◽  
Daniel John Winteler
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Open Innovation ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Internal Dynamics ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Facilitating Factors ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
Comparative Case Studies ◽  
Innovation Practices ◽  
Innovation Processes

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to shed light on challenges and facilitating factors of open innovation practices (OIP) implemented by small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).Design/methodology/approachThe empirical research has been conducted on eight SMEs operating in the ICT sector, through a qualitative approach involving comparative case studies.FindingsThe findings drawn from the interviews indicate that each OIP established entails specific challenges and facilitating factors that SMEs have to face to sustain the open innovation journey and foster competitiveness. These findings helped to draw some important managerial implications and provide insights to SMEs willing to open innovation processes.Originality/valueThe study identifies OIP used in empirical studies to explore specific challenges and facilitators for each OIP, in the context of SMEs. Previous studies mostly focussed on open innovation sources and scarcely investigated internal dynamics of specific OIP.

Measuring the impact of relational capital on customer performance in the SME B2B sector

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
pp. 1144-1166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lara Agostini ◽  
Anna Nosella ◽  
Benedetta Soranzo
Keyword(s):  
Absorptive Capacity ◽  
Open Innovation ◽  
Moderating Effect ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Relational Capital ◽  
Marketing Capability ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Innovation Practices ◽  
External Actors ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence that different components of relational capital (marketing capability, open innovation with business and scientific partners, technological reputation, brand) have on customer performance (CP). Moreover, the moderating effect of absorptive capacity on such relationships is tested. Design/methodology/approach First, the direct relationship between the different components of relational capital and CP is analyzed through a linear regression model. Then, to test the moderating effect, two distinct regression analyses are conducted into two sub-samples, defined according to the level of absorptive capacity. The authors carried out these analyses on a sample of 150 small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the medium- and high-tech B2B context. Findings Results of this study prove that CP is enhanced through firm marketing capability, open innovation with business partners and technological reputation, while brand and open innovation with scientific partner do not have an association with CP. In particular, the impact of marketing capability and open innovation with business actors on CP is greater for firms with higher absorptive capacity. Research limitations/implications This paper, highlighting the relevance of relational capital and absorptive capacity in improving CP, enhances our knowledge about the factors that help to strengthen the relationships with customers, which is an under-investigated issue especially for SMEs competing in B2B industries, and extends our knowledge on open innovation practices. Practical implications Findings of this paper suggest that, to achieve better CP, managers should pay special attention to nurturing their marketing capability and high-quality relationships with external actors and invest in absorptive capacity to enhance the positive effect of such linkages. Originality/value This work, combining the external perspective of relational capital and the internal organizational dimension of absorptive capacity, provides valuable insights about the knowledge and resource mix that firms might rely on to achieve better customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Managing the university-industry collaborative innovation in China

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 62-82
Author(s):  
Fei Li ◽  
Jin Chen ◽  
Yu-Shan Su
Keyword(s):  
Innovation Management ◽  
Collaborative Relationships ◽  
Joint Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Innovation Activities ◽  
Collaborative Innovation ◽  
Innovation Practices ◽  
The University ◽  
University Industry

Purpose Collaboration with universities is an important innovation strategy for enterprises. However, currently very little research has focused on how such university-industry collaborative innovation activities should be managed. The paper aims to discuss this issue. Design/methodology/approach This paper introduces the university-industry collaborative innovation practices of Zhejiang NHU Company in China. By using a case study as the method, this paper aims to illustrate the mechanism of university-industry collaborative innovation and how to manage the collaborative innovation activities efficiently. Findings Zhejiang NHU Company established a university-industry collaborative innovation link through three innovation platforms: the technology R&D center, the ZJU-NHU joint-research center, and the national engineer center. Zhejiang NHU Company manages its collaborative relationships with universities through this innovation network. Originality/value NHU Company managed the collaborative relationship efficiently with the institutions, representing an effective degree of university-industry collaborative innovation management.

scholarly journals Accelerating chemical start-ups in ecosystems: the need for biotopes

2017 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 135-152 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maarten J.G.M. van Gils ◽  
Floris P.J.T. Rutjes
Keyword(s):  
Open Innovation ◽  
Organizational Capacity ◽  
Innovation Process ◽  
Ecosystem Model ◽  
Innovation Ecosystem ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Start Up ◽  
Innovation Practices ◽  
Start Ups

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to clarify the relationship between start-ups and an innovation ecosystem. Start-ups need resources available in the ecosystem to grow, but experience organizational capacity limitations during their open innovation practices. This study frames the “open innovation” interface and discloses ways to accelerate the process of connecting start-ups’ demands to ecosystem’s supplies. Design/methodology/approach A case study was used to describe the development of a conceptual ecosystem model to frame the “open innovation” interface and its subsequent implementation at nine start-up hotspots in the Dutch chemical industry. To develop the ecosystem model, the system of innovation concept was enriched with the perspective of a chemical start-up to pinpoint critical resources for growth. Findings It is suggested that the most relevant “open innovation” interface for start-ups looking to grow is an innovation biotope: a well-defined, business-oriented cross-section of an ecosystem. All stakeholders in a biotope are carefully selected based on the entrepreneurial issue at stake: they can only enter the secured marketplace if they are able to provide dedicated solutions to start-ups. The biotope enables “open innovation in a closed system” which results in acceleration of the innovation process. Originality/value This is the first study to report on the definition and implementation of an innovation biotope as the “open innovation” interface between an ecosystem and start-ups. In addition, it provides a powerful tool, the ecosystem canvas, that can help both regional and national innovation systems to visualize their ecosystem and identify blind spots.

Open innovation practices adopted by private stakeholders: perspectives for living labs

Info ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 67-80 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dominic Lapointe ◽  
David Guimont
Keyword(s):  
Open Innovation ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Living Lab ◽  
Living Labs ◽  
Innovation Practices ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose – This paper aims to explore the role of private stakeholders in the living lab (LL) ecosystem and the relationship of private stakeholders to open innovation (OI) practices. There is extensive literature on private stakeholders and OI, but seldom mention is made on the specific question of how private stakeholders integrate OI in the context of a LL. Design/methodology/approach – The authors will analyze qualitatively how private businesses that have participated in a in situ open innovation evaluate and perceived their open innovation practices. Therefore, how they relate to open innovation. Then, the authors will identify a typology of the businesses in relation to OI. Findings – The research focused on the relationship of private stakeholders to OI in the context of in situ OI activities. The results obtained are consistent with literature on OI (Chesbrough, 2003). However, there are differences: if the elements mentioned by the respondents are described in literature, their representation of OI and its components allows us to affirm that this practice is not generalised and that it is often open to interpretation. That emphasises the importance of the role LLs can play as intermediaries to accompany private stakeholders in the OI process. Private stakeholders look for a guide to develop their OI know-how and find their way in the OI ecosystem. Originality/value – The value of this paper is to bridge the research on OI done with private organisation and the research on LLs. The research literature did not pay much attention to the representation of the private stakeholders in the OI ecosystem. This paper has provided the start to open up that field.

Inorganic growth of technology sector firms in emerging markets

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 52-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arindam Das ◽  
Sheeba Kapil
Keyword(s):  
Emerging Economies ◽  
Emerging Market ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Developed Economies ◽  
Technology Sector ◽  
Technology Firms ◽  
Specific Factors ◽  
Opening Up ◽  
Serial Acquirer

Purpose – Emerging economies and technology firms in these economies have witnessed significant increase in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activities in recent years. The purpose of this paper is to conduct an empirical research on Indian technology firms and analyze the influence of firm-specific factors on firms’ M&A decisions. Design/methodology/approach – A set of 372 Indian firms in the technology sector have been studied for the period 2001-2011, a decade when this sector has seen maximum number of M&A transactions. Findings – The results show that financially strong, low-debt firms with high market capitalization are the typical acquirers in this segment and they tend to be serial acquirer too. Originality/value – Contrary to established findings in developed economies, the authors find that Indian technology firms’ acquisition decisions are not associated with their R&D activities, opening up scope for investigations on role of technology assets in emerging market firms’ acquisition decisions.

Researcher, I have heard of your innovation. Will you marry me?

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 264-283
Author(s):  
Nuria Calvo ◽  
Jacobo Feás ◽  
David Rodeiro-Pazos ◽  
Braulio Pérez ◽  
Sara Fernández-López
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Transfer ◽  
Open Innovation ◽  
Innovation Process ◽  
Transfer Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Two Factors ◽  
Industry Relations ◽  
University Industry ◽  
Willingness To Cooperate

Purpose This paper aims to explore the determinants of firms’ attitudes to R&D cooperation with universities with the goal to propose a model of knowledge transfer university-firm. Design/methodology/approach By understanding university-industry cooperation as a process, the model in this study is based on two factors: the “promoter of university-industry relations” (PUIR) and a technological system that is able to match the research supply of universities with the demand for innovation of the firms. A total of 375 firms, 420 research groups and 18 experts in knowledge transfer from Spain, Portugal and France have been involved in this study. Findings This study provides the first evidences of the relation between the number of matches’ demand-supply of research, the number of university-firm relations and the willingness to cooperate; all of these presented in the knowledge transfer model. Results also reinforce the utility of the role of PUIR and the matching system in the open innovation process. Research limitations/implications However, more evidences are necessary to get a complete validation of the model. In the future, the continuous utilization of the matching system by the PUIRs of the selected regions will allow the authors to evaluate how well the system is working by analysing the possible increases in formal collaboration university-firm in the area of R&D. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature through aligning the open innovation and intellectual capital theories in the specific and complex context of university-firm collaboration. Also, little research regarding this topic has been noticed in SUDOE European Union (EU) countries (SUDOE is an EU territorial cooperation programme that supports regional development by funding transnational projects).

On the relation between knowledge management and university-industry-government collaboration in Brazilian national institutes of science and technology

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Suzana Xavier Ribeiro ◽  
Marcelo Seido Nagano
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Triple Helix ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Science And Technology ◽  
Sustainable Competitive Advantage ◽  
Collaborative Culture ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Analysis Technique ◽  
Technology Parks ◽  
University Industry

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate how knowledge management and university-industry-government collaboration – including the triple helix – relate with each other in influencing organizations’ performance. In the competitive environment nowadays, an organization’s ability to create and use knowledge becomes ever more essential in the search for sustainable competitive advantage, even leading to the search for new forms of inter-organizational arrangements. Design/methodology/approach The representatives of such collaborations selected for this study are the National Institutes of Science and Technology. The categorical content analysis technique was used for the qualitative analysis of the data. Findings The principal contribution was the proposal of an analytical model relating the knowledge management and triple helix theories and the proposed dimensions (namely, structural, relational, cognitive and the context), considering the peculiarities of the Brazilian context. The findings show that the organizational structure (structural) influences not only the relationship among members (relational) but also the flow of knowledge (cognitive), as well as how relational elements (collaborative culture, trust and leadership) facilitate knowledge sharing. Moreover, the context affects these three other dimensions. The main obstacles identified were cultural differences, bureaucracy and the socio-economic reality, while facilitators were the existence of technology parks and incubators, government incentives and geographical proximity between universities and industry. Originality/value This topic was chosen as there are few empirical studies that comprehensively relate the topics of knowledge management and university-industry-government cooperation focusing on the Brazilian context.

scholarly journals Balancing learning and knowledge protection in university-industry collaborations

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 190-204 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leena Kunttu ◽  
Yrjö Neuvo
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Work ◽  
Mutual Trust ◽  
It Industry ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Technology Firms ◽  
Organizational Barriers ◽  
Personal Level ◽  
Informational Barriers ◽  
University Industry

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the tension between learning and protection in university-industry relationships (UIRs) and, in particular, to identify practices that facilitate ways of coping with this tension. Design/methodology/approach The empirical work for the study is based on a qualitative comparative case analysis of six successful, long-term relationships between industrial technology firms and university research groups in Finland. Findings The findings of the study reveal that the development of mutual trust, based on personal-level relationships, adaptation and reaching a consensus about the utilization of research results represent the key processes that enable partners to balance learning and protection and lower the informational barriers within the collaboration. Research limitations/implications The case data have been collected from IT industry, in which the need for knowledge is changing rapidly and the need for learning is typically high. However, generalization of the results may need additional case studies including from other industrial areas. Practical implications The results highlight a rich set of practices that can support both industrial actors and academics in improving their engagement in collaboration and to facilitate successful knowledge creation and utilization in UIRs. Originality/value This study extends the existing literature on UIR learning by presenting organizational practices, which help UIR actors to balance learning and protection in their collaboration. Along with mutual trust and adaptation achieved in long-term personal relationships, these practices allow partners to overcome organizational barriers that result from different orientations, attitudes and incentives.

scholarly journals Antecedents and effects of individual absorptive capacity: a micro-foundational perspective on open innovation

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 1319-1341 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandor Lowik ◽  
Jeroen Kraaijenbrink ◽  
Aard J. Groen
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Cognitive Style ◽  
Absorptive Capacity ◽  
Open Innovation ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
External Knowledge ◽  
Absorptive Capacities ◽  
Innovation Practices

Purpose The paper aims to understand how individuals differ in individual absorptive capacity – their ability to recognize, assimilate, transform and exploit external knowledge. These individual absorptive capacities are a key knowledge management building block for an organization’s open innovation practices. The study examines individual antecedents – human capital, social capital and cognition – and innovation outcomes of individual absorptive capacity. Design/methodology/approach This is a quantitative study of 147 employees in a single medium-sized Dutch industrial firm. Based on a survey and structural equation modeling, the antecedents’ prior knowledge diversity, network diversity and cognitive style are examined in relation to individual absorptive capacity. Further, the mediating effects of individual absorptive capacity on its antecedents and innovation outcome are investigated. Findings The main findings are that prior knowledge diversity, external network diversity and a bisociative cognitive style explain differences in individual absorptive capacity. A bisociative cognitive style appears to be the most important factor. Also, this study finds that individual absorptive capacity mediates between its antecedents and individual innovation performance and is therefore a relevant factor to capture value from external knowledge sources. Research limitations/implications The study extends open innovation theory by exploring individual-level factors that explain the ability to capture value from external knowledge. It suggests that differences in open innovation practices are explained by heterogeneity at the individual level. Further, it explains how individuals’ potentials for open innovation are mediated by their absorptive capacities. These insights enable future researchers to further examine individual-level factors in knowledge management practices and to explore cross-level individual-organizational interactions for open innovation. Practical implications This paper highlights that individuals’ engagements in open innovation practices are explained not only by individuals’ motivations but also by their abilities to absorb external knowledge. Further, it helps managers to design knowledge management practices to promote employees’ absorptive capacities, to improve open innovation processes. Originality/value This study investigates the neglected individual-level factors of open innovation practices from a micro-foundational and knowledge management perspective. To our best knowledge, this is the first study to examine individual-level antecedents and outcomes of individual absorptive capacity.

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