Business networks along innovation life cycle

2015 ◽  
Vol 30 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 329-341 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Paola Codini
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Business Networks ◽  
Longitudinal Case Study ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Multiple Data ◽  
Multiple Method ◽  
Technology Life Cycle

Purpose – This paper aims to investigate how the relationships among the different actors within the business networks affect the evolution of innovation along the different steps of technology life cycle. Design/methodology/approach – The study is supported by a longitudinal case study referred to a mechanical company operating in the knitting machineries industry. A triangulation method integrating multiple data sources in a multiple method design was used to gather data. Findings – The longitudinal study supports the idea that interactions among the actors within the business networks heavily influence the technology evolution. Research limitations/implications – Although the longitudinal case study reported in this paper refers to a period of time of about 10 years, our findings refer only to a single case study in a specific sector and so they cannot be generalized. Practical implications – This paper provides important guidelines on how to manage the relationships emerging within a business network to influence the new technologies development. Originality/value – The paper contributes to business networks literature, filling the gaps about how the relationships among the actors involved in a network can evolve over time and influence the evolution of technology in itself.

The impact of business networks on foreign subsidiaries development

IMP Journal ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 427-443
Author(s):  
Enrico Baraldi ◽  
Francesco Ciabuschi ◽  
Olof Lindahl ◽  
Andrea Perna ◽  
Gian Luca Gregori
Keyword(s):  
Single Case ◽  
Foreign Market ◽  
Business Networks ◽  
International Expansion ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fine Grained ◽  
Automatic Control Systems ◽  
Industrial Networks ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore two specific areas pertaining to industrial networks and international business (IB). First, the authors look at how business relationships influence the internationalization in time, from the establishment of the first subsidiary in a foreign market to the following ones, and in space, that is, across different markets. Second, the authors investigate how an increasing external network dependence of subsidiaries in their internationalization may cause a detachment of a subsidiary from the mother company as its knowledge becomes insufficient to guide a subsidiary’s internationalization. Design/methodology/approach This paper utilizes an exploratory, longitudinal, single-case study of Loccioni – a manufacturer of measuring and automatic control systems for industrial customers – to illustrate the specific dynamics of the influences of industrial networks on the internationalization of subsidiaries. Findings The case study helps to elucidate the roles, entailing also free will and own initiative, of small suppliers’ subsidiaries which operate inside several global factories, and how “surfing” on many different global factories, by means of several local subsidiaries, actually supports these suppliers’ own international developments. This notion adds to our understanding of the global factory phenomenon a supplier focus that stresses how the role of suppliers is not merely that of being passive recipients of activities and directions from a focal orchestrating firm, but can also be that of initiative-takers themselves. Originality/value The paper contributes to the IMP tradition by providing a multi-layered and geographically more fine-grained view of the network embedding companies that operate on internationalized markets. This paper thereby sheds light on a less investigated area of research within the IMP tradition: the link between internationalization in different countries and the interconnectedness between the industrial networks spanning these countries. At the same time, this paper contributes to IB theories by showing how a late-internationalizing SME can enter highly international markets by “plugging into” several established “Global Factories” as a way to exploit further opportunities for international expansion.

Adopting a digital transformation strategy to enhance business network commons regeneration: an explorative case study

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 561-585
Author(s):  
Alessia Zoppelletto ◽  
Ludovico Bullini Orlandi ◽  
Cecilia Rossignoli
Keyword(s):  
Business Strategy ◽  
Digital Transformation ◽  
Business Networks ◽  
Longitudinal Case Study ◽  
Business Network ◽  
Sustainable Business ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Italian Case ◽  
Transformation Strategy

PurposeThis article aims to understand whether and how a digital transformation strategy (DTS) can strengthen the relationship between network organizations and the generation/regeneration of their business network commons (BNC). Further, it investigates the role of the DTS in managing the BNC, a critical source of business network success.Design/methodology/approachA two-year longitudinal case study of an Italian business network operating in the wine sector was conducted.FindingsThis study provides theoretical insights into the digital, sustainable shift of a business network. On combining a network's business strategy and its DTS, digital resources are a key driver to promote BNC regeneration. A DTS undertaken to manage, regenerate and preserve the BNC can positively affect organizational variables, such as participatory architecture, and the network-level organizational integration and can help in preventing opportunistic behaviors affecting the BNC. Moreover, the DTS supports quality and social responsibility.Research limitations/implicationsThis study focuses on an Italian case and its findings are hence not generalizable. It would be interesting to study sustainable business networks' digital shift in different socioeconomic contexts as well as in different industry settings.Practical implicationsNetwork SMEs and other stakeholders (institutions, competitors and consumers) can foster the transition from a “business-as-usual” strategy to a long-term strategy for digitalized management of common resources.Originality/valueThe study is at the intersection of, and contributes to, several research streams. It contributes to the digital transformation literature by adding information on the positive externalities of digitalization in the social and economic environment. It also contributes to the early streams of organizational and managerial literature on the BNC.

Exploring the nexus between integrated reporting and sustainability embeddedness

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 822-843 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Le Roux ◽  
Marius Pretorius
Keyword(s):  
Stock Exchange ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Listed Company ◽  
Data Gathering ◽  
Integrated Reporting ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Multiple Data ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose This paper aims to explore the nexus between integrated reporting and sustainability embeddedness. It seeks to contribute to a better understanding of the nexus by obtaining in-depth insight from the sensemaking of those in practice. Design/methodology/approach A single exploratory case study design strategy was applied to a leading stock exchange listed company in the property industry in South Africa. Rich qualitative data were gathered by applying multiple data gathering techniques to a diverse group of employees within the case company. Findings This empirical study contributes a metaphor of a cog and chain and nine themes that elucidate employee sensemaking at the nexus. Integrated reporting was found to drive sustainability embeddedness and foster changes within the organisation. The themes offer in-depth insight into how employees made sense of integrated reporting as a driver for sustainability embeddedness. Research limitations/implications The findings emerged from a single case study that operated in a mandatory disclosure context and are therefore not generalisable. The findings reflect the intended outcomes of integrated reporting and further research to explore the unintended outcomes and challenges associated with integrated reporting is suggested. Practical implications The study contributes to a growing practice based agenda by offering a better understanding of how integrated reporting and sustainability are conceptualised and adopted in practice. Social implications The findings offer organisations’ guidance on integrated reporting and sustainability embeddedness adoption which can have vast implications for society and the environment. Originality/value The study responds to gaps in the literature and calls for studies to explore the intersection between integrated reporting and sustainability embeddedness by engaging those in practice.

Adoption and implementation of new technologies in hospitals: a network perspective

IMP Journal ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 368-391
Author(s):  
Olga Mikhailova
Keyword(s):  
New Technologies ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Limited Resources ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Advanced Medical Technology ◽  
Adoption And Implementation ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Danish Hospital ◽  
Innovation Processes

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to address challenges and opportunities that smaller hospitals with limited resources may face when they are adopting and implementing innovative technologies. Design/methodology/approach Based on a single case study with interviews and document analysis, this paper focuses on the recombination of resources, actors and activities during the process of technology adoption and implementation at a Danish hospital. Theoretically, it takes an interaction perspective for exploring the interplay between inner and outer networking during the innovation processes. Findings This study illustrates how the adoption and implementation of advanced medical technology requires significant investment, which is particularly burdensome for smaller hospitals. Constrained by limited resources, they have to develop creative combinations of resources through negotiation and embrace collaborative approaches to join and sustain themselves in the user-producer network. Originality/value This paper contributes to the innovation field by suggesting ways in which practitioners at smaller hospitals can align with technology providers’ strategies and succeed by positioning their hospitals in relation to extended user-producer networks. This study further emphasizes the necessity of a broader discussion regarding the importance of user-producer interactions during innovation processes in health care settings.

The role of different stakeholders in destination development

2016 ◽  
Vol 71 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raija Komppula
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Historical Review ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
Review Reports

Purpose This paper aims to highlight the crucial role of individual people, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders in the development of a tourist destination during its life cycle. The purpose is to increase our understanding of individual actors as contributors to leadership and development of tourism destinations. Design/methodology/approach An intrinsic case study of a Finnish ski resort, Ruka, is presented. The primary data consist of 16 narrative interviews. Secondary sources of information such as a history book and a historical review, reports and Web pages have been used as well. Findings The study suggests that the leadership in a destination is attributed to individuals. It is the charismatic entrepreneurs, business managers, municipality and influential politicians that may take control of the leadership at the destination. Being local enhances the sense of identity with the place and facilitates a cooperative atmosphere between actors. Finally, the roles of stakeholders and aspects of the leadership of a destination may vary along the destination life cycle. Research limitations/implications As this paper presents a single case study in a Finnish context, the findings cannot be, and are not meant to be, generalized. Rather, the findings present an example of an exception to the mainstream destination management and governance literature. Originality/value The paper fills the research gap noted by Kennedy (2014) and presents an in-depth study analysing the role of different stakeholders in destination leadership.

Rooting a new event in its place: the case of Festa Templária, Tomar, Portugal

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 324-345 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hermínia Sol ◽  
Marisa P. de Brito ◽  
João Pinto Coelho ◽  
Luís Mota Figueira ◽  
Christopher Pratt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Longitudinal Case Study ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Creation ◽  
The City ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose With fierce competition in capturing tourists, it is crucial that destinations be prepared to adapt and to refresh their event portfolio. The purpose of this paper is to look into the decision-making process that led to the development of a new festival in a middle-sized city, Tomar, in Portugal. Design/methodology/approach This study analyses the creation process of the Knights Templar Festival, in Tomar, a new event focusing on the Templar history of the city. A retrospective outlook on the evolution of the event is given. Primary data were collected via quantitative survey analysis and semi-structured interviews. The theoretical scope is events and placemaking. Findings The strengths and weaknesses of the region influenced the conception and setting up of this particular event. This awareness is important for cities in meeting the challenges and opportunities that event portfolio diversification calls for. Research limitations/implications This paper helps us to understand the motives and challenges in establishing a new event in the city, through the analysis of a single case study of a European middle-sized city. Simultaneously, it is a longitudinal in-depth case of the first editions of a new historically focused event. Practical implications Several practical implications can be derived to the case of Tomar. Overall, it is key that cities align the focus of new events with the city’s identity (as Tomar did). Originality/value This paper presents an in-depth and longitudinal case study, from the moment of the creation of a new event to its fourth edition, mapping the decision-making process, highlighting the learning curve of the decision makers.

How capabilities evolve in a born global firm?

2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 223-242 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nishant Kumar ◽  
Ali Yakhlef
Keyword(s):  
Dynamic Capabilities ◽  
Service Industry ◽  
Single Case ◽  
New Ventures ◽  
Born Global ◽  
Longitudinal Case Study ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knowledge Intensive ◽  
Born Global Firms

Purpose – The aim of this paper to examine the mechanism through which the capabilities related to internationalisation emerge and are acquired as firms internationalise. Design/methodology/approach – This study draws on existing literature on born global firms and dynamic capabilities to develop a tentative framework and then use that to examine a longitudinal case study of an Indian firm operating within knowledge-intensive services industry. The role played by these capabilities in the survival and sustained international growth of born global firms has been probed. Findings – The study establishes a link between firm’s ability to develop such capabilities for global service delivery and its growth and survival. It is suggested that dynamic capabilities emerge as the result of a mix of experiential and deliberate learning processes, being in a constant change in rhythm with changes in domestic and in international business environments. Research limitations/implications – This study is based on a single case study from knowledge-intensive service industry in India with its own particular characteristics. Thus, the findings of this study may not be generalised across other emerging markets or industry. Practical implications – Entrepreneurs and managers of new ventures can benefit from this study, as this study helps them develop a deeper understanding of the different capability requirements for successful internationalisation. Originality/value – This study contributed to the existing literature on capability evolution in born global firms.

State actors’ mobilisation of resources for innovation: a case study of a Chinese vaccine

IMP Journal ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 296-316 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tommy Shih ◽  
Åse Linné
Keyword(s):  
Single Case ◽  
Innovation Process ◽  
Active Role ◽  
Business Networks ◽  
Case Study Method ◽  
Content Type ◽  
State Actors ◽  
Biotechnology Sector

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore how state actors mobilise resources in business networks to facilitate innovation. Design/methodology/approach – A single case study method is used. The case from the Chinese biotechnology sector illustrates how state actors mobilise resources in a network context in order to develop, produce and use a vaccine. Findings – The case findings demonstrate that state actors indirectly, as well as actively, are involved in the whole innovation process by mobilising resources necessary for the development, production and use of the vaccine. State actors influence other actors, both political and business, and provide resources in order to facilitate innovation. Practical implications – The paper illustrates that state actors, in the specific case, play an important and active role throughout the whole innovation process. This opens up the issue of the possible extended role of state actors in innovation. Originality/value – Over the past decades, Chinese state actors have played an active role in the business landscape. This paper explores state actors’ influence on the innovation process on the network level.

Diffusion of a systemic innovation

2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Lindgren ◽  
Stephen Emmitt
Keyword(s):  
Construction Sector ◽  
Longitudinal Case Study ◽  
Holistic View ◽  
Content Type ◽  
High Rise ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Multiple Data ◽  
Systemic Innovation ◽  
And Diffusion

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify factors that influence the diffusion of a systemic innovation in the Swedish construction sector. The focus is on high-rise multi-storey timber housing; the development of which was enabled by a change in building regulations. This allowed building higher than two stories in timber. Design/methodology/approach A longitudinal case study was used with multiple data collection methods to study the development and diffusion of a multi-storey timber house system by a case study organisation. Findings The findings contribute to understanding for a number of interacting factors influencing the diffusion of a systemic innovation related to the case study organisation. Originality/value The research provides a holistic view of interacting factors influencing the diffusion of a systemic innovation. The results have value to the Swedish construction sector and to the global community of construction researchers, as it provides empirical findings that further increase the understanding for diffusion of systemic innovations in a specific context.

Going East: a framework for reverse innovation in SMEs

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 30-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dominik Dellermann
Keyword(s):  
Emerging Markets ◽  
Multinational Corporations ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Past Research ◽  
Business Networks ◽  
Reverse Innovation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Literature

Purpose Past research demonstrated that reverse innovation initiatives generate tremendous returns for innovators. However, the focus is on multinational corporations (MNCs). This paper aims to provide a framework how Western small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can drive reverse innovation success. Design/methodology/approach The author adopted an exploratory single case study research design. It draws on the findings from a German SME operating in the healthcare industry. Findings The research reveals that SME can use emerging markets growth opportunities by leveraging open business networks and a clear strategic focus on emerging economies as well as reverse commercialization. The findings provide a framework for managers of SMEs. Originality/value This paper analyses an important way for SMEs to enter emerging markets that has not been explored yet in the management literature and business practice. It offers deep insights of a unique case.

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