Establishing SME–university collaboration through innovation support programmes

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (8) ◽  
pp. 1583-1604
Author(s):  
Martin Kurdve ◽  
Anna Bird ◽  
Jens Laage-Hellman
Keyword(s):  
Absorptive Capacity ◽  
Action Learning ◽  
Absorption Capacity ◽  
Research Centre ◽  
Firm Innovation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Innovation Research ◽  
Collaborative Innovation ◽  
Support Programmes ◽  
Innovation Support

PurposeThe research purpose is to analyse when and how innovation support programmes (ISPs) can affect collaboration between universities and established small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). The paper specifically considers SME’s absorptive capacity.Design/methodology/approachA Swedish research centre is studied in the context of innovation support and two of its SME-ISPs are examined with regards to industry–university collaboration and impact on firm innovation capabilities. Data collection and analysis are performed, using interviews, survey answers, document search and reflectional analysis to evaluate processes and effects of the centre and the programmes.FindingsA developed research centre, integrated into both academia and industry, can support translational collaboration and promote SME innovation absorptive capacity. The action learning elements and the organisational development approaches used when coaching in the ISPs contribute to the SMEs internal absorption capacity and collaborational skills. Organising collaboration into ISPs can provide a relational path to future collaboration with universities, which, for example start with student projects.Research limitations/implicationsThe study, though limited to one Swedish region, adds to empirical innovation research as it connects industry–university collaboration and absorptive capacity to organisational learning.Practical implicationsThe empirical results indicate possible long-term gains for industry and universities in building collaborative innovation into SME-ISPs.Originality/valueThe contribution of this study pertains to the practice of innovation support for established SMEs with the inclusion of absorption capacity and collaborative innovation development.

Moderating effect of absorptive capacity on the entrepreneurial orientation of international performance of family businesses

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 58-74 ◽  
Author(s):  
Felipe Hernandez-Perlines
Keyword(s):  
Absorptive Capacity ◽  
Entrepreneurial Orientation ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Family Firms ◽  
Absorption Capacity ◽  
Family Businesses ◽  
Moderating Effect ◽  
Content Type ◽  
International Performance ◽  
Moderating Role

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyse the moderating effect of absorptive capacity on the entrepreneurial orientation of international performance of family businesses. Design/methodology/approach The sample for this study was collected from 218 family firms associated with the Family Business Institute (IEF). This paper used a structural equation model through PLS-SEM technique to test the proposed model and for contrasting the moderating effect of absorptive capacity on the entrepreneurial orientation of international performance of family businesses. Findings The main result of this work is that international performance of family businesses is determined, to a great extent, by the entrepreneurial orientation. In addition, this effect is reinforced by the absorption capacity, exerting a positive moderating role. Practical implications If family firms want to improve their international results, they must act in the entrepreneurial orientation through the effect of absorption capacities. Originality/value The originality of this work comes from the discovery of the new moderating role of absorption capacities in family firms.

scholarly journals Facilities management innovation in public-private collaborations

2015 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 185-203 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giulia Nardelli ◽  
Jesper Ole Jensen ◽  
Susanne Balslev Nielsen
Keyword(s):  
Local Governments ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Facilities Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Innovation Research ◽  
Collaborative Innovation ◽  
Energy Service ◽  
Goals And Objectives

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to investigate how facilities management (FM) units navigate Energy Service Company (ESCO) collaborations, here defined as examples of public collaborative innovation within the context of FM. The driving motivation is to inform and inspire internal FM units of local institutions on how to navigate and manage collaboration of different, intra- and inter-organisational actors throughout ESCO projects. Design/methodology/approach – A deductive research methodology was applied based on the first ten ESCO projects in Danish municipalities between 2008 and 2012. Findings – A model of FM roles in FM public innovation is proposed. The internal FM unit coordinates between clients and end users by acting as translator and demonstrator and collaborates with the ESCO company to implement the energy renovation (FM processor). Research limitations/implications – The data were collected from a limited sample of ESCO collaborations in Denmark. Future research should thus investigate collaborative innovation in ESCO (and other forms of private–public) collaborations outside of Denmark. Practical implications – Not only should FM units clarify what different stakeholders expect from an ESCO collaboration, but also they should translate stakeholders’ expectations into actual goals and objectives; process them together with the ESCO company; demonstrate their execution to all stakeholders throughout the process, not just when closing the collaboration. Originality/value – This paper contributes to FM innovation research by exploring FM innovation in the public sector and by depicting the coordinating role of local governments’ internal FM units engaging in public–private collaborative innovation.

The role of absorptive capacity and organizational unlearning in the link between social media and service dominant orientation

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaime Ortega-Gutiérrez ◽  
Ignacio Cepeda-Carrión ◽  
Helena Alves
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Absorptive Capacity ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Service Sector ◽  
Dynamic Capabilities ◽  
Absorption Capacity ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type

Purpose This paper aims to study the relationship between the knowledge obtained in social networks by firms together with the firms’ knowledge absorptive capacity and organizational unlearning as influencers of service-dominant (S-D) orientation, as well as the mediating role of absorption capacity and organizational unlearning in this process. Design/methodology/approach The sample amounts to 101 responding companies, obtained from the SABI database. The companies belong to the service sector in Spain and have at least 50 employees and 5 years or more of existence in the market. The model was estimated through partial least squares structural equation modeling with smartPLS software 3.2.6. Findings The results show that the use of social media is very important for firms to acquire knowledge and capabilities that help them to become S-D oriented. In addition, absorptive capacity and unlearning processes are dynamic capabilities necessary to transform the knowledge acquired in social media and to become S-D oriented. Research limitations/implications Companies’ managers draw conclusions that can generate great value, while better meeting the needs and desires of the market, the more knowledge is obtained. In addition, the use of the knowledge generated in this process will reduce the risk of sudden changes in the market. Practical implications The more knowledge is gained using social networks, the better the companies’ managers will be able to draw conclusions that can generate great value, while at the same time better satisfying the needs and desires of the market, and thus create capacities that allow the company to be service-oriented. In addition, the use of these knowledge platforms strengthens the strategic advantage of companies through the promotion of innovation and by relating dynamic capabilities with the orientation toward sustainable development. As mentioned above, a process will be generated that will reduce the risk of sudden changes in the market. Originality/value This is one of the few studies trying to study the antecedents of S-D orientation and the first to study the direct effect of social media use, and the direct and indirect effect of absorptive capacity and organizational unlearning on S-D orientation as dynamic capabilities.

SMEs innovating in collaborative networks: how does absorptive capacity matter for innovation performance in times of good partnership quality?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lamiae Benhayoun ◽  
Néstor Fabián Ayala ◽  
Marie-Anne Le Dain
Keyword(s):  
Absorptive Capacity ◽  
Innovation Performance ◽  
Collaborative Networks ◽  
Hierarchical Regression ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Partnership Quality ◽  
Collaborative Innovation ◽  
The Creation ◽  
The Impact

PurposeWe investigate the impact of Absorptive Capacity (ACAP) for SMEs embedded in Collaborative Networks (CNs) on innovation performance, considering the network stages and the influence of partnership quality.Design/methodology/approachWe use a mixed methodology consisting of a qualitative than a quantitative phase. The first stage relies on an in-depth literature review and 22 interviews with 17 manufacturing SMEs having operated in collaborative innovation projects to characterize the potential and realized ACAP of such SMEs in the creation and operation stages of a CN. The second phase aims at testing four hypotheses through a hierarchical regression based on 74 responses to a survey involving SMEs with prior CN experience.FindingsOur results explain how an SME’s ACAP in the creation stage affects its ACAP in the operation stage. We also demonstrate that this latter capability contributes positively to innovation performance in the CN. Furthermore, partnership quality was found to have counterproductive effects regarding potential ACAP.Practical implicationsWe provide manufacturing SMEs with guidance to deploy ACAP throughout their collaborative experience and overcome the potential pitfalls of good partnership quality.Originality/valueWe operationalize ACAP of manufacturing SMEs to contribute to mutual innovation goals in CNs and uncover its properties. We explain how this dynamic capability accumulates over the CN stages to result in higher innovation performance and show how it helps in striking a balance between the “dark” and “virtuous” sides of partnership quality.

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.

Organizational learning, absorptive capacity, imitation and innovation

2015 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 97-113 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhi-hong Song
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Learning ◽  
Absorptive Capacity ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Ml Estimation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Organizational Learning Theory ◽  
Innovation Research ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships among organizational learning, absorptive capacity, imitation and innovation in the Chinese context. Design/methodology/approach – Based on the organizational learning theory and innovation theory, the paper presents a framework linking organizational learning, absorptive capacity, imitation and innovation. Using a key informant technique, a survey questionnaire was designed and sent to the middle or top management managers of 115 firms located in Peking, People’s Republic (PR) of China. Structural equation modeling (SEM) with the maximum likelihood (ML) estimation procedures was applied to test the hypotheses developed in the research. Findings – The empirical results show that both organizational learning and absorptive capacity have positive impacts on innovation; imitation has a positive impact on absorptive capacity; absorptive capacity mediates the relationship between imitation and innovation. Practical implications – This study has implications for firms aiming to enhance innovation by organizational learning, absorptive capacity and imitation. Originality/value – Despite the number of studies concerning organizational learning, absorptive capacity, imitation and innovation, research that encompasses the interrelationships between the four concepts simultaneously remains scarce. The paper provides a framework linking organizational learning, imitation, absorptive capacity and innovation, and it advances the argument that absorptive capacity is an important factor in predicting the Chinese firms’ transition from imitation to innovation.

The systematization knowledge of articles adherent to familiness, entrepreneurial orientation and absorptive capacity

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ismael Luiz dos Santos ◽  
Sidnei Vieira Marinho ◽  
Ruan Carlos dos Santos
Keyword(s):  
Absorptive Capacity ◽  
Entrepreneurial Orientation ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Absorption Capacity ◽  
Family Businesses ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Academic Production ◽  
Family Enterprises ◽  
Categorical Groups

PurposeFamily businesses gain notoriety in academic research because they have peculiarities found only in this type of organization, and it is because of these attributes that this work aims to analyze, through an epistemological look, the results of a systematization that sought for works that use the unique characteristics of family businesses, called familiness, as well as two other constructs that showed attractive adherents and little researched in parities with familiness, organizational entrepreneurship, better known as entrepreneurial orientation and the ability to adapt, called absorption capacity.Design/methodology/approachTo achieve this goal, an investigation of national and international academic production was carried out through a systematization called Proknow-C, being possible to identify the main categorical groups of authors in the area, main journals, besides identifying and analyzing the main objectives and contributions of selected scientific articles.FindingsAmong the results obtained, it was possible to consolidate some research intentions inherent to the junction of such constructs, besides directing, which can be the best and most promising fields of research for the application of these constructs and the most indicated methods, based on the three epistemological positions, subjectivism, objectivism and constructivism.Originality/valueThis study adds value to the literature on familiness, pointing to a relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and absorption capacity, in contrast to studies focused on other dimensions of social capital, which obtained divergent results. In addition, this study reinforces the unique characteristics of family enterprises, in which this work intends to consolidate a methodological proposal with arguments linked to positivism or interpretativism in the midst of epistemology. The study provides a valuable theoretical framework of familiness determinants connecting the cognitive perspective of the entrepreneur theory to a view of the absorptive capacity.

Innovation and family firms: ability and willingness and German SMEs

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 251-269 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonas Heinrich Steeger ◽  
Malte Hoffmann
Keyword(s):  
Family Firms ◽  
Family Firm ◽  
Family Impact ◽  
Self Assessment ◽  
Firm Level ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Firm Innovation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Innovation Research ◽  
Ability And Willingness

Purpose Research disputes whether family businesses are more or less innovative than their nonfamily counterparts. So far, no consistent results have been achieved. The recently introduced willingness and ability framework suggest that idiosyncratic behavior is only to be expected if both sufficiency conditions – willingness and ability – are fulfilled. The purpose of this paper is to test this hypothesis empirically. Design/methodology/approach A large cross-sectional sample of German small- and medium-sized enterprises is used. The sample offers – alongside numerous moderators commonly used in innovation research – several family firm definitions. Given the censored nature of the endogenous variable chosen, a Tobit model is used. Findings Drawing upon agency theory and the ability and willingness paradox in family firm innovation, it finds family firms to be less innovative only if both willingness and ability conditions are fulfilled. Originality/value To the best of the knowledge, the study provides the first attempt to test the willingness and ability theorem. Therefore, the commonly used family firm-specific measures (self-assessment-, ownership-, and management criterion) are operationalized to better understand what drives innovativeness in family firms. The findings thus add to the ongoing discussion on what really drives family impact on firm-level decisions.

Organizational forgetting, absorptive capacity, and innovation performance

2018 ◽  
Vol 56 (1) ◽  
pp. 87-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dujuan Huang ◽  
Song Chen ◽  
Gupeng Zhang ◽  
Jiangfeng Ye
Keyword(s):  
Absorptive Capacity ◽  
Innovation Performance ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Environmental Turbulence ◽  
Hierarchical Regression ◽  
Critical Determinant ◽  
Firm Innovation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Clear Explanation ◽  
Organizational Forgetting

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine how the organizational forgetting affect innovation performance under the consideration of the environmental turbulence as a moderating factor of the analysis framework. Design/methodology/approach This study constructs and verifies a moderated mediating model of organizational forgetting to innovation performance, using the exploratory factor analysis and the hierarchical regression analysis based on a survey sample of 320 Chinese companies. Findings The organizational forgetting is a critical determinant for improving innovation performance of an enterprise. A more detailed analysis reveals that first organizational forgetting cannot promote organization’s innovation performance without absorptive capacity. Second, the mediating effect of absorptive capacity is more positive when environmental turbulence is higher. Practical implications This study provides empirical evidence about the importance of organizational forgetting in the firm innovation. Originality/value This paper adds to the existing literature by providing a clear explanation of the impacts of organizational forgetting on innovation performance through a comprehensive empirical study. Contrasting with previous research, this research clarifies the boundary conditions under which organizational forgetting enhances innovation performance. In particular, the authors find that organizational forgetting is not equally positive but instead increases with the level of environmental turbulence.

Exploring redundancies in multichannel knowledge sourcing in high-technology industries

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramin Vandaie
Keyword(s):  
Absorptive Capacity ◽  
Firm Size ◽  
Pharmaceutical Companies ◽  
Knowledge Sourcing ◽  
Firm Innovation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
External Sources ◽  
Technology Industries ◽  
High Technology Industries ◽  
Scientific Collaborations

Purpose Scientific collaborations represent informal external ties that together with formal R&D alliances constitute a multichannel knowledge sourcing network in science-based industries. Although such multichannel knowledge sourcing benefits firms by providing more thorough access to external sources, it also entails potentially significant redundancies worthy of consideration. This paper aims to take a step by first verifying their existence, followed by an examination of key contingencies determining the extent of these redundancies, i.e. firm absorptive capacity, balanced utilization of ties and firm size. Design methodology approach This is an empirical study that uses scientific collaborations and R&D alliances of US pharmaceutical companies to test the proposed hypotheses. Findings This paper verifies the existence of multichannel knowledge sourcing redundancies, followed by an examination of key contingencies determining the extent of these redundancies, i.e. firm absorptive capacity, balanced utilization of ties and firm size. Originality value To the knowledge, this is a first attempt at clarifying redundancies in innovative knowledge sourcing and their implications for firm innovation performance.

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