Bibliometric mapping of techno-scientific systems of small Latin American worlds

Purpose The purpose of this study was to compare the evolution of the scientific production of Costa Rica and Panama, from Central America and Paraguay and Uruguay, from South America in the period 2000–2018. To achieve this, first, a bibliometric mapping was performed using the Web of Science (WoS) database. Second, the triple helix model was used to determine whether there are similar patterns or marked differences in the distribution of this type of publications in the helices of government, academia and industry. Design/methodology/approach The steps followed in this study were as follows: design and application of an algorithm to perform WoS downloads; download the publications using the country descriptor; process data using R and VOSviewer; design of a profile of the selected countries based on indicators; and use of the triple helix model to determine the weight of the scientific production. Findings The data found corroborate that the small technoscientific worlds examined do not have the minimum Science & Technology personnel nor the capabilities in infrastructure and technological equipment, and that expenditure in this area is minimal and for these reasons, the production in the WoS is low. Originality/value Studying the small technoscientific worlds from a bibliometric perspective allows generating inputs to diagnose the state of these countries in this area, as no evidence of similar studies in these countries was found in Scopus or the WoS. Likewise, examining scientific production from the triple helix model makes it possible to identify the weaknesses of each actor, and the results can contribute to the design of better public policies.

The power of strategic knowledge management in the relationship between innovation and the performance of large manufacturing firms in Malaysia

Purpose This study aims to explore the interaction of strategic knowledge management (SKM) and innovation on the performance of large manufacturing firms (LMFs) in Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach This study used a quantitative approach in investigating this interaction. Smart partial least-squares analysis was performed to test the hypotheses. Findings It was observed that administrative innovation, process innovation and product innovation were effective drivers of LMF performance. It was also ascertained that SKM has no moderating effect on the product innovation relationship with performance, although it does moderate the relationships between LMF performance and administrative innovation and process innovation, respectively. Research limitations/implications The main limitation of this study is its focus on Malaysian LMFs. It nevertheless contributes to the literature by extending understanding of SKM and innovation dimensions from multi-faceted perspectives. As this is largely ignored in the literature, the study paves the way for additional research. Practical implications The findings may be used as guidelines for chief executive officers, particularly on the way SKM and innovation can be developed for enhanced LMF performance, in the context of South Asian countries. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first empirical work to confirm the main drivers of SKM, including in the analysis the effect of administrative innovation, process innovation and product innovation and performance, in the context of the manufacturing sector. In support of an original conceptual model, the insights contribute to the literature on innovation, LMFs, SKM and emerging economies.

Effects of innovative finance, strategy, organization and performance: a case study of company

Purpose The aim of the research is to analyze sustainability in energy companies in terms of financial innovation, innovation strategy and organizational innovation. Design/methodology/approach The analysis of this research was done by using the Mplus 7 package program, and the research model was tested using the existing latent variables and their expressions. Data from 298 administrative staff (white collar) working in companies operating in the energy sector were analyzed. Findings Both independent and mediation effects of financial innovation and innovation strategy positively affect sustainability performance. Therefore, it can be concluded that in order for sustainability performance to be positive, importance should be given to financial innovation, innovation strategy and organizational innovation activities. Research limitations/implications As the data were collected from energy companies in this research, it is not correct to generalize the evaluations. Therefore, in terms of the limitations of the research, the sector and sample size should be taken into account in future studies. Originality/value This research conducted in energy companies focuses on the importance of sustainability and has a unique value in the literature as the data is collected and analyzed from white-collar employees.

Business practices for strengthening the quadruple and quintuple helix: a study using structural equation modeling

Purpose This study aims to analyze the practices and relationships of companies established in Science and Technology Parks (STPs) as drivers of the quadruple and quintuple helix (QQH) and the determinants for aligning with the future vision of STPs. Design/methodology/approach The authors conducted a survey of companies associated with consolidated STPs and used the Structural Equation Model technique to predict such relationships. Findings The results showed a positive relationship between the QQH and the Future Vision of STPs, in addition to the relevance of collectives as representatives of the quadruple helix (QH). Research limitations/implications Collectives are a recent phenomenon and require longitudinal studies on their performance in innovation environments. Practical implications Companies that are part of collectives are the actors of the QH. Social implications The role of collectives in aligning with the future vision of STPs should be considered. Collectives reflect people’s vision and can help STPs from being a closed environment and expand their performance, with a key role in connecting innovation environments. The authors found that collectives are promising in practices related to sustainability, thus contributing to STPs with their ability to mobilize the ecosystem. Originality/value The research emphasizes the role of companies as agents of QQH in innovation environments, strengthening the increasing and distinct role of collectives in their relationships with STPs.

Causal interactions among essential factors of Industry 4.0 innovation using DEMATEL technique in manufacturing industries

Purpose Industry 4.0 implementation appears to have a far-reaching effect on consumer demand. Research findings on market prospects and implementation status are also rare. The purpose of this study is to address the essential factors regarding the implementation status of the Indian manufacturing industries that would entail a complete implementation of the Industry 4.0 innovations in developing nations and execute them entirely to achieve related benefits. Design/methodology/approach The primary factors impacting the Industry 4.0 implementation status recognized a focus on comprehensive literature analysis and its validation by recommendations from 12 specialists with substantial expertise in Industry 4.0. The DEMATEL technique has been implemented in this analysis to examine the structure of causal interactions among the recognized essential factors. Findings From a literature analysis and recommendations from specialists, 16 essential factors are recognized. Using DEMATEL techniques, ranking of the essential factors has been obtained according to their importance. Moreover, the findings show the cause and effect interactions among essential factors in the perspective of Industry 4.0 innovations in Indian manufacturing industries. Research limitations/implications The current research is restricted to Indian manufacturing industries (developing nations). Practical implications It will help industries move towards an Industry 4.0 implementation by knowing their status. A research model is being developed, including specific vital features of Industry 4.0 as indicators for its implementation. Nevertheless, few are renowned for how industries, especially in developing nations, perceive the possible effects of Industry 4.0 technological innovations and industrial efficiency. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the present research contributes first to be carried out regarding the model of information about the nature of causal interactions among the recognized essential factors of Industry 4.0 in the surrounding of Indian manufacturing industries to address the implementation status of Industry 4.0 innovations using DEMATEL technique.

Influence of inbound and outbound open innovation practices on performance of firms: an evidence from Indian product SMEs

Purpose This study aims to analyze the influence of inbound and outbound open innovation practices on firm performance among Indian product small and medium-sized enterprises. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional design with a quantitative approach is adopted. The data is collected from 213 decision-makers of software product firms through an online survey using the criteria-based snowball sampling method. The data is processed in IBM SPSS 23.0 and analyzed using multiple regression. Findings Collaboration with customers and purchasing intellectual property rights (IPR) are the key inbound practices that positively influence firm performance. Outbound innovation practices such as selling out IPR and spin-off influence firm performance negatively and positively, respectively. Inbound open innovation practice such as trade show participation helps in product development and outbound open innovation practice such as spin-off helps in product development. Originality/value The study analyses the influences of inbound and outbound open innovation practices on firm performance among software product firms in emerging economies. The research outcomes have vast implications for theory and practitioners.

Impacts of high-involvement HRM practices on organizational innovation capability: the mediating mechanism of tacit and explicit knowledge sharing

Purpose Given the important role of knowledge sharing (KS) processes for organizational innovation, the purpose of this study is to investigate the mediating roles of tacit and explicit KS in bridging the relationship between high-involvement human resource management (HRM) practices and specific aspects of innovation capability, namely, product and process innovation. Design/methodology/approach Analysis of moment structures and structural equation modeling are applied to examine the correlation among the constructs based on the survey data collected from 111 manufacturing and service firms. Findings The empirical findings reveal that KS processes positively mediate the relationship between high-involvement HRM practices and innovation capability. It highlights the important role of explicit KS in fostering aspects of innovation capability compared to the effects of tacit KS on aspect of innovation capability. Practical implications Vietnamese firms should pay much attention to high-involvement HRM practices to improve their innovation capabilities. In addition, fostering the willingness of employees for sharing tacit knowledge (e.g. experiences, uncommon understandings and insights) and explicit knowledge (e.g. formal information, official documents and reports and procedures and policies) is one of the most optimal solutions for firms to pursuit product and process innovation capability. Originality/value This paper significantly contributes to increasing knowledge and insights on the correlation between high-involvement HRM practices and specific forms of innovation. The understanding on mediating role of KS processes contributes to advancing the body of knowledge of HRM practices and innovation theory.

Understanding influence of supply chain collaboration on innovation-based market performance

Purpose In today’s world, supply chain collaboration becomes an essential source of attaining competitive advantage to make the position in the global market in terms of information, expertise and risk-sharing abilities. Hence the purpose of this study is to highlight the understanding of the value and importance of collaboration in innovation and to strategically implement such steps to achieve supply chain collaboration capabilities. Design/methodology/approach The data of 269 respondents were collected from supply chain professionals belong to the different industrial sectors in Karachi, Pakistan. The data was analyzed by using structural equation modeling. Findings This study finds that supplier collaboration brings radical as well as incremental innovation. In contrast, internal collaboration brings incremental innovation, whereas collaboration with customers has an insignificant impact on incremental innovation. Furthermore, both types of innovations have a positive and significant influence on market performance. Research limitations/implications This study's outcome improves the understanding of the types of innovation enhanced by each construct of collaboration. Supply chain experts or managers are motivated to implement innovation to improve the firm's overall market performance. Originality/value This research will contribute to the literature by sharing the understanding of the relationship among supply chain members as they collaborate for innovation purposes. All supply chains develop a sustainable competitive advantage in market performance.

The impact of customer knowledge management, TQM and marketing capabilities on product innovation performance of Malaysian SMEs: an empirical study

Purpose Several strategies and processes can help companies to enhance the success rate of new products. This study aims to identify a few strategies for that purpose represented by total quality management (TQM) practices, building knowledge and capabilities. Moreover, the current paper discusses the role of applying TQM practices and customer knowledge management in developing the marketing capabilities of the organizations. Design/methodology/approach This study is a quantitative approach where the data collected from 141 manufacturing small and medium enterprises operating in Malaysia and partial least squares technique was used to test the hypotheses. Findings The findings of this study highly support all the proposed hypotheses and establish marketing capabilities as a facilitator in the relationship between TQM practices, customer knowledge management and product innovation performance. However, customer knowledge management and TQM were found not to have an impact on product innovation performance. Originality/value The introduced model contributes to enhancing the understanding of the impact of customer knowledge on the success of product innovation performance. The model further includes TQM as a process that helps the organization get customer satisfaction information. The incorporation of these two processes will support the organization’s capabilities in the innovation field.

The development trend and academic patent technology network of laser and optical technologies

Purpose The application of laser and optical technologies in the industry is wide and extensive; the development and application of laser and optical technologies have become a promising research domain. However, most existing studies have focused on the technical aspects or the application aspects; these studies have not highlighted the technology distribution and application development of laser and optical technologies from the big picture. Additionally, the manner in which the research and development (R&D) results of universities correspond to the needs of enterprises and industry has become a topic of concern for the public. Therefore, this study aims to adopt the academic patents as the basis for analysis and to construct a laser and optical technology network. Design/methodology/approach Therefore, in the current study, the researchers have analyzed relevant academic patent technology networks, using academic patents of laser and optical technologies as a basis of analysis. Findings The study results indicated that the key technologies mainly lie in nanostructures, metal-working, material analysis and semiconductor devices. Additionally, these technologies are mainly applied in industries, such as optics, medical technology, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and organic fine chemistry; this indicated that a large proportion of academia’s R&D outcomes are applied in these industries. Originality/value In this study, the researchers have constructed a technology network model to explore the technical development direction of laser and optical technologies; the results of the current study could serve as a reference for universities and industry for allocation of R&D resources.