Temporary project network and innovation: research on the Italian regional wine industry

Abstract

PurposeThis study aims at exploring the characteristics of the Temporary Project Networks (TPNs) in small and medium-sized wine producing enterprises, both from a theoretical and an empirical perspective. It aims to discuss different types of temporary inter-firm collaboration clusters both in terms of structural/organizational features and in terms of innovation tasks development. It also aims to develop an empirically derived taxonomy of TPNs within the Sannio wine industry. Design/methodology/approachThe paper focuses on the literature supporting the argument that the act of innovating is related strongly with the creation of new knowledge. In particular, the knowledge-based theory places primary emphasis on inter-organizational knowledge exchanges in explaining enhanced knowledge creation toward better innovative outcomes. The design of forms of coordination between companies is investigated with reference to TPNs, a form of collaboration that has been less investigated in the literature, especially with respect to small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The survey concerned 40 SMEs operating in wine production in Sannio, one of the most promising areas of the Campania region and the entire Italian economic system. The research is based on the use of different quantitative instruments (administration of structured questionnaires and statistical analysis) and qualitative instruments (semi-structured interviews of management, analysis of information material, reports as well as planning documents of the companies involved in the analysis). A cluster analysis has been carried out to identify TPN typologies. FindingsThe study finds that the different kinds of inter-organizational collaborations lead to two-cluster solutions that refer to two of the TPNs models formalised by Bakker et al. The findings add to the view that there is variation in types of project network and go against the often held idea that temporary projects are by definition short-termed and focused on non-routine tasks. Originality/valueThe study was able to expand the understanding of TPNs and innovation in two respects. First, it should be noted that only a few studies have adopted the TPN framework to investigate the inter-organizational coordination mechanisms among SMEs. This study could usefully find its place in this literature gap, thus contributing to develop a typological research in order to identify TPN clusters with homogeneous distinctive characteristics. Secondly, the study has an explorative role of analysis, which can be useful for generating research hypotheses in future works, connecting the features of TPNs with the development of innovation processes

Investigating the Relationship between Coordination Mechanisms and Knowledge in a Wine Firm

“…We chose this particular firm for the case study because it offered a consistent rich setting for studying knowledge. On the basis of the information from the earlier survey (Pezzillo Iacono et al ., ), the company proved, through its significant product and process innovations in terms of both technology and “semantics” to have a strong drive toward internationalization and a conscious approach to acquiring both implicit and explicit knowledge. In addition, the organizational model—a winemaking cooperative—is a common one both in Italy and in the local area.…”

“…The wine industry has been involved in a process of technological innovation within which knowledge creation and knowledge sharing have taken on a much more significant role (Pezzillo Iacono et al ., ). Technical change has been strong, and the key competitive asset of wine producers is now the capacity to assimilate, develop, and manage new techniques of production.…”

“…Pezzillo Iacono et al . () noted that the Sannio wine companies have an average area of slightly less than 10 ha. The Used Agricultural Area has increased by about 51% since 1994.…”

“…Pezzillo Iacono et al . () discussed different types of temporary inter‐firm collaboration both in terms of structural/organizational features and in terms of the development of innovation.…”

The adoption of knowledge integration mechanisms in an interdisciplinary research project

“…Second, as it is common in literature, we selected a case study in which the phenomena of interest about the use of knowledge integration mechanisms in a University/Industry collaboration setting are transparently observable. Finally, earlier work (Pezzillo Iacono et al , 2013) focused on the leading player in the research project, the Farming Cooperative La Guardiense , suggested that the company had significant product and process innovation in terms of both technology and “semantics”, providing a strong drive towards a conscious approach to managing knowledge.…”