دانلود رایگان مقاله انگلیسی جستجوی دانش های خارجی برای نوآوری: نقش استراتژی نوآوری شرکت ها و زمینه صنعت - امرالد 2017

Abstract

Purpose – This paper aims to analyze the extent to which the influence of external knowledge search on innovation performance is contingent on both a firm’s innovation strategy and the industry context in which it operates. Design/methodology/approach – The paper adopts a contingent approach that centers analysis on the influence of situational factors, either exogenous or endogenous to the organization, as determinants of the external knowledge search in promoting the firm’s innovation performance. The empirical study is based on a large sample of 18,955 firms operating in 29 industries that belong to 13 European countries. Findings – This analysis reveals that a broad knowledge search is more effective for firms that innovate in new goods, while a deeper knowledge search is more effective for firms that innovate in new services. The results of this study also indicate that external knowledge search varies across industries, with search depth being used more in industries in which the knowledge development process is cumulative and appropriable, while the external breadth search is preferred in industries with a high level of technological opportunity. Originality/value – The current approach implies recognizing that the knowledge search strategies may not always be effective, and that firms should align the search strategy to both internal and external factors. Analyzing the influence of these factors can help managers to better choose the type of knowledge search (e.g. intensive or extensive search) that best aligns with the firm’s innovation objectives.

6. Conclusion

This paper analyzes the extent to which a firm’s external search strategy is influenced by its innovation decisions and the characteristics of the sector in which it operates. Our analysis of a large database of innovator firms operating in manufacturing and service industries from 13 European countries reveals that firms conducting broader and deeper searches for knowledge and ideas among external agents attain better innovation results. We also found that the knowledge search strategy –innovation performance relationship is conditioned by the innovative activities firms adopt and also the characteristics of the technological regimen of the industry where the firm operates.