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.

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.

Commonality, conflict, and absorptive capacity

2018 ◽  
Vol 56 (9) ◽  
pp. 1904-1916 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Rafique ◽  
Shafqat Hameed ◽  
Mujtaba Hassan Agha
Keyword(s):  
Absorptive Capacity ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Middle Managers ◽  
Analysis Approach ◽  
Pharmaceutical Companies ◽  
Knowledge Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knowledge Intensive ◽  
Complex Knowledge ◽  
Role Specificity

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the roles of middle managers (MM) in the knowledge-intensive environment as perceived by the employees, MM and principal decision makers (DM) in the context of the absorptive capacity process. Design/methodology/approach In this qualitative study, the data were collected from pharmaceutical companies of Pakistan by using purposive sampling and the results were analyzed based on the thematic analysis approach. Findings The results show that employees and principal DM have a strong agreement between them regarding the roles of MM; however, MM have contrasted views. Some of the roles were agreed to by all the respondents. Research limitations/implications This study has focused on the roles of MM (common and conflicting) in knowledge-intensive pharmaceutical companies of Pakistan. The results of other studies on the roles of MM in the context of traditional and hybrid organizations may differ from this study. Practical implications The results of this study show the importance of role specificity of MM for the smooth absorptive capacity process. While dealing with complex knowledge structures in pharmaceutical companies, this study gives strong input to HR mangers and consultants and practitioners as they continuously handle complex knowledge process activities. Originality/value The study has explored the specific roles of MM by using the thematic analysis approach.

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.

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.

Absorptive capacity and NPD: salient issues in bipolar entrepreneurial SMEs

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sujinda Popaitoon ◽  
Tanyanart Yanpiboon ◽  
Chutikarn Tapjarern
Keyword(s):  
Absorptive Capacity ◽  
Strategic Alliances ◽  
New Ventures ◽  
New Products ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Network Ties ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Useful Knowledge ◽  
External Sources

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore knowledge absorptive capacity (ACAP) (both potential and realized) and new product development (NPD) in bipolar entrepreneurial small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Design/methodology/approach In response to recent calls for research on knowledge ACAP and NPD in entrepreneurial SMEs, particularly in different contexts, this research aims to answer a specific question: What are the characteristics of ACAP (both potential and realized) and the salient issues concerning working complementarily between both types of ACAP to foster NPD in bipolar entrepreneurial SMEs (in this case, three new low-tech and three established high-tech cases)? The authors conduct case study research based on cross-case and within case analyses to answer the question. Findings The findings show that, in the established high-tech cases, realized ACAP plays an outsized role in developing new products and prior-related knowledge acts as a precondition for capturing useful knowledge from external sources (potential ACAP). On the contrary, in the new low-tech cases, potential ACAP is the key driver of NPD, so external knowledge from network ties becomes a crucial source of acquiring new knowledge, along with entrepreneurs’ level of skill at applying useful knowledge (realized ACAP) to achieve NPD. Research limitations/implications On the basis of the bipolar entrepreneurial SMEs (i.e. established high-tech and new low-tech ventures), the characteristics of entrepreneurial SMEs (i.e. firm’s age, size and level of technology) affect the different roles of realized and potential ACAP in driving NPD successes. Realized ACAP plays a critical role for NPD in established high-tech SMEs, whereas potential ACAP is the main driver of NPD in new low-tech SMEs. This research has some limitations that future research should conduct quantitative research in other industries’ context as well as in other countries. Practical implications For new ventures, they should be aware that to strengthen their network ties with customers and suppliers can be an important tool for not only overcoming their limitations of existing knowledge but also acquiring tacit knowledge from the external sources. For established high-tech ventures, they should focus not only on the short-term NPD (the achievement of current NPD) but also the long-term NPD (e.g. series of new products and new strategic alliances) that can help avoid a not-invented-here syndrome situation. Social implications The government should customize the policy to suit each targeted SME. Policymakers should play a crucial role of a linking pin among key external sources (e.g. R&D national and international institutions, SME banks and marketing agents) in different stages of the business cycle. Originality/value This research contributes to the literature of knowledge ACAP in SMEs to the understanding of the distinction roles of potential and realized ACAP as a mechanism in the different natures of entrepreneurial SMEs.

From knowledge sourcing to firms’ productivity: investigating innovation value chain of Indonesian manufacturing firms

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Arif Hartono ◽  
Arif Singapurwoko
Keyword(s):  
Technological Innovation ◽  
Value Chain ◽  
Manufacturing Firms ◽  
Tobit Regression ◽  
Knowledge Sourcing ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sources Of Knowledge ◽  
External Sources ◽  
External Sources Of Knowledge

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the innovation value chain (IVC) that encompasses knowledge sourcing, transformation and exploitation activities among Indonesian manufacturing firms by using data from the Indonesia Innovation Survey. Design/methodology/approach A simple approach of single equation Probit model, Logit regression and Tobit regression are used in the first, second and third stages of IVC consecutively. Findings This study finds the existence of a synergistic relationship between internal and external sources of knowledge as well as among external sources of knowledge. In terms of the second link of the IVC, internal R&D plays an important role that positively influences knowledge transformation into all types of innovation and innovation success. External knowledge that has a similar pattern in shaping innovation mainly comes from market and open sources. Scientific institutions tend to contribute to innovation negatively, and few positive impacts on process innovation are observed from government R&D and non-profit R&D institutions. Informal knowledge is more likely to influence technological than non-technological innovation. Research limitations/implications Finally, the limitations of this study need to be acknowledged. Issues related to firms’ sectors have not been discussed in this study, and as a result, sectors’ effects on the three links of IVC cannot be detected. This study is a cross-sectional in nature, as a result, the dynamic of Indonesian manufacturing firms’ IVC is missing. Hence, future studies may address this limitation by conducting a longitudinal study. Originality/value This study is different from the previous IVC studies owing to the following reasons. Firstly, in this study, a broader source of knowledge is tested. Secondly, the wider innovation (technological and non-technological innovation) is also assessed.

The interaction between external and internal knowledge sources: an open innovation view

2014 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 430-446 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nieves L. Díaz-Díaz ◽  
Petra de Saá Pérez
Keyword(s):  
Absorptive Capacity ◽  
Business Strategies ◽  
Knowledge Sources ◽  
Content Type ◽  
External Knowledge ◽  
Sources Of Knowledge ◽  
External Sources ◽  
Internal Sources ◽  
External Sources Of Knowledge ◽  
Internal Knowledge

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to study the external sources of knowledge that better exploit internal knowledge in order to innovate. Design/methodology/approach – A balanced panel of 1,266 firms that respond to the Survey of Business Strategies for a five-year period was used, which represents a total of 6,330 observations. Findings – The influence of the absorptive capacity on new products is significant, with an inverted U-shaped relationship. The interaction between external sources of knowledge and firm ' s absorptive capacity has a negative effect on innovation up to a certain level (substitution effect), after which that interaction improves the innovation of firms, displaying a complementary effect. Practical implications – Firms with excess of internal sources of knowledge do not obtain better innovative results because overtime firms tend to inertia and need external sources of knowledge to obtain new knowledge. Firms must be conscious that the effect on innovation of using a strategy of external knowledge acquisition could be different depending on their internal knowledge base level. Thus, those firms that select their strategies to combine knowledge appropriately will have better results. Originality/value – This paper reveals that the positive effect of internal sources of knowledge on innovation decline after it reaches a high level because those firms with strong absorptive capacity may enter a state of organizational inertia that reduces their innovation. This research enhances the importance of identifying each of the external knowledge sources likely to be used, since their influence on innovation differs depending on the level of internal knowledge. Finally, this study is based on panel data models, which allows us to control unobservable heterogeneity improving earlier studies that had to rely on cross-sectional data.

Tie strength, absorptive capacity and innovation performance in Chinese manufacturing industries

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 475-494 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xueyuan Liu ◽  
Muzhen Shen ◽  
Wenjing Ding ◽  
Xiande Zhao
Keyword(s):  
Absorptive Capacity ◽  
Motor Vehicle ◽  
Eastern China ◽  
Innovation Performance ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Manufacturing Industries ◽  
Tie Strength ◽  
Firm Innovation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose In innovation networks, firm innovation performance is affected by external tie strength and internal knowledge absorptive capacity. This study aims to empirically examine the path relationship between tie strength, absorptive capacity and firm innovation performance in Chinese manufacturing industries, thus enhance our understanding on the mechanism between innovation network and innovation performance. Design/methodology/approach The authors have conducted a survey among Chinese manufacturers in four industries (textile and garment, household appliance, IT and electronics and motor vehicle assemblers) that are located in North, East, Central and South China, respectively, with a valid response from 278 manufacturers. Structural equation model is used to analyze the results. Findings This study demonstrates that in Chinese Manufacturing industry, tie strength is positively related to innovation performance. The authors also find that absorptive capacity has a positive impact on innovation performance and it mediates the relationship between tie strength and innovation performance. Then, the authors analyze the effect of ownership, industry and sub-region, and the results show that in private firms and traditional manufacturers, and the firms located in North and Eastern China, tie strength has no direct effect on innovation outcomes, but it can influence innovation indirectly through absorptive capacity. Originality/value This study further supports that in Chinese guanxi culture, strong ties with other innovation partners can improve the firm’s absorptive capacity and thus improve innovation performance. The results also suggest that a firm’s absorptive capacity has a significant mediating effect on the relationship between tie strength and innovation performance.

Strategic Environment and Implementation of Satellite Technology Acquisition Programs in ASEAN

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robertus Heru Triharjanto
Keyword(s):  
Value Added ◽  
Technology Program ◽  
National Space ◽  
Technology Acquisition ◽  
Satellite Technology ◽  
Space Agency ◽  
Asean Countries ◽  
The Growth Of Economy ◽  
Technology Industries ◽  
High Technology Industries

With the growth of economy in ASEAN countries, their desire to create high value-added jobs or high technology industries are increasing. Such drive, in addition to the clasic motivation of creating national pride and strategy for defense and security, made many of them started to have national space program. Since they are satellite users, they started the program with acquiring satellite production technology. Due to such background, the paper discusses about satellite technology acquisition programs in ASEAN countries, with focus on the program’s strategic environment and implementation. The objective of research is to establish positioning map of satellite technology aqusition program in ASEAN. The method used is decriptive analytics, in which data on the program scale and coverage, technology regulations, and institutional buildings in each countries were sumarized and compared. The study shows that all of the ASEAN countries started their satellite technology acquisition by developing remote sensing satellites. It is found that Singapore and Malaysia are the highest in current satellite technology program scale, and in the future, Vietnam’s program scale will catch up with Indonesian and Thailand’s. For Indonesia, even though it has technology mastering and space agency, but lack of investment made it unable to move beyond micro-satellite program

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